Joel Embiid Fined $50,000 for Lewd Gesture During 76ers vs. Celtics Game

Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers star, has found himself in the spotlight once more—not for his impressive basketball performance. The NBA imposed a $50,000 fine for a ‘lewd gesture’ during Friday night’s game with the Boston Celtics, despite it being perceived as a ‘lewd gesture’ by the league.

Embiid performed a crotch chop to celebrate after making a basket and drawing a foul during the first quarter of the matchup.

A gesture that gained fame in the late 1990s due to WWE’s D-Generation X, the move quickly went viral on social media, sparking both laughter and controversy across the sports world. Millions who watched the nationally televised game witnessed the move, and it became a viral sensation, sparking both laughter and controversy across the sports world.

The Moment That Led to Joel Embiid Getting The $50,000 Fine

Embiid made a hard drive to the basket in the game at Wells Fargo Center, overcoming contact from Boston’s defense to score and earn an and-one opportunity. The crowd erupted, and in classic Embiid fashion, he leaned into the moment, delivering a two-handed crotch chop towards the court while shouting in celebration. The NBA’s disciplinary office swiftly took note. On Sunday, the league made a formal announcement announcing the fine, with Embiid being penalized for “Making an obscene gesture on the playing court.”

Joel Embiid’s Response: Questioning the NBA’s Double Standard

Joel Embiid was unflinching in his response to the fine. He challenged the league’s logic by pointing out that his celebration resembled the referee’s blocking foul signal, which officials make countless times during NBA games.

“If that’s lewd, then what about when refs make the same motion while calling a block?” Embiid reportedly quipped after learning about the fine. “I’m just having fun out there.”

Embiid’s argument sparked controversy among fans, but most agreed that the movement’s context and intent ultimately determine its significance. The referee’s motion is strictly procedural, whereas Embiid’s chop, rooted in pro wrestling culture, is clearly performative and intended to entertain.

A Celebration Rooted in Wrestling Culture

The context of Embiid’s gesture can be understood by reminiscing about the golden era of professional wrestling. The crotch chop was made famous by Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and the D-Generation X faction in the late 1990s, where the move became a rebellious taunt punctuated by the words “Suck it!” Over the years, Embiid has openly expressed his admiration for WWE.

He has even established a relationship with Triple H, who once introduced Embiid and the Sixers before a playoff game, complete with a dramatic pregame entrance inspired by the wrestling world. Embiid has been blurring the line between athlete and showman for some time now, and this connection between sports and entertainment is nothing new. The personality of Embiid has become a crucial element of the modern NBA, be it trolling opponents, interacting with fans on social media, or celebrating with flair.

The NBA’s History of Penalizing “Obscene” Gestures

The NBA’s disciplinary policies have always been strict when it comes to gestures and celebrations that cross the line into obscenity. Several players have been fined for similar actions over the years:

• Stephen Curry was fined $50,000 in 2018 for throwing his mouthpiece toward a referee.

• The NBA fined Ja Morant $75,000 in April 2025 for making finger-gun gestures during games..

• Jusuf Nurkić was fined $40,000 for tossing a fan’s phone.

According to officials, the league’s objective is to maintain its professional image and ensure that games are appropriate for all audiences. Critics contend that these fines are often inconsistent and subjective, particularly when celebrations are spontaneous or rooted in popular culture. The debate on how much personality players can display on the court without crossing the league’s boundaries has been revived by Embiid’s situation.

The Cost of Expression in Today’s NBA

The fine highlights the NBA’s ongoing struggle to strike a balance between expression and professionalism. Although it may not be a significant financial hit for Embiid, it highlights a larger issue. Embiid is part of a group of athletes who view themselves as brands, entertainers, and personalities, rather than solely as basketball players. The cultural evolution of the game involves its celebrations, gestures, and interactions with fans. The NBA maintains its Code of Conduct by emphasizing respect, sportsmanship, and decorum. The league’s challenge is to keep that standard while also allowing players to showcase individuality.

Looking Ahead: Will Joel Embiid Change His Celebrations?

Even though there’s a fine, it’s unclear if Embiid will change his celebratory habits anytime soon. In fact, his playful response to the situation suggests that he may continue to embrace his WWE-inspired persona, albeit with a greater awareness of when and where to use it. Embiid is expected to continue being a dominant force on the court and a lightning rod for entertainment and controversy off it as the Sixers continue their season. Whether he’s hitting a game-winning shot, engaging in post-game banter, or performing his next signature celebration, Joel Embiid consistently embodies the spirit of passion and performance that defines today’s NBA.

To sum up, Joel Embiid’s $50,000 fine is more than just a disciplinary action. It reveals the NBA’s intricate relationship with individuality, entertainment, and professionalism. As the league evolves, the question of where the line between expression and excess arises. Emiid’s personality and the debate on how far a celebration can go before it gets controversial are both unavoidable.

Byron Nelson