Sixers' Joel Embiid fined $25,000 for obscene gesture, using profane language in interview

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Joel Embiid has been punished for his actions during and after the Sixers’ game against the Hawks Monday.

On Wednesday, the league announced he’d been fined $25,000 “for making an obscene gesture on the playing court and using profane language during a live television interview” after posting a career-high 49 points in the win.

With time winding down in the fourth quarter and the Sixers holding a sizeable lead, Embiid dribbled the ball past half court looking to run the clock out. Atlanta guard Kevin Huerter then stole the ball from Embiid. After the steal, Embiid gave Huerter the middle finger. Embiid apologized for the gesture during his postgame interview.

But he also cursed while talking with NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Serena Winters when she referenced Embiid calling himself “the best player in the world” last week.

When I made that statement, I didn’t actually say that I was. I said that being with some of the best players in the world [at the All-Star Game] and I proved myself, that’s what I said. But yeah, f--- it — my bad [for cursing] — I do believe it. When I play like tonight, anything can happen.

“I also want to say sorry for what I did at the end of the game. Y’all probably all saw that on TV. I’m sorry.

During his postgame press conference, he still wasn't thrilled that Huerter took the ball away while Embiid was just trying to run the clock and not going for 50.

There's always this thing about you shouldn't shoot the ball if you're up 20 or something like that. And I feel like it should go both ways. I'm running the clock down and I feel like the game is over. That's why I'm doing it. But to me, if the other team is gonna keep playing defense, and they're gonna keep shooting the ball at the other end, I feel like we should just be like, 'Well, be better next time,' and just go out and score. 

It’s been a struggle for Embiid this year to balance wanting to be mature while also still having fun. The version that was smiling, cupping his ear to the crowd and dominated the Hawks on Monday seemed to be enjoying himself.

Embiid’s encore will take place Wednesday night in Cleveland against the Cavs (7 p.m./NBCSP).



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