"I know Pop and Kerr secretly run the league": Fans react to Joel Embiid's massive $75,000 punishment

The NBA announced that Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will be punished for making obscene gestures during their Christmas Day game against the Boston Celtics. As per the statement released on Friday by Joe Dumars, NBA's executive vice president and head of basketball operations, Embiid will be fined $75,000.

According to the NBA, Embiid made the gestures during the first half of the Sixers' Christmas victory against the defending NBA champion Celtics.

The NBA released the statement on X (@NBAPR), and fans were quick to comment about Embiid's fine on the social media site.

One fan linked the NBA's sanction to the declining ratings and said that the league is allegedly run by two of its coaches. Golden State Warriors' Steve Kerr and San Antonio Spurs' Gregg Popovich both caught strays. Popovich is currently on an "indefinite break" after suffering a mild stroke.

"That is exactly why your (NBA) ratings are down 40%. Don’t care that you had 1 good day courtesy of the man you just fined for having fun. I know Pop and Kerr secretly run the league but didn’t you learn anything from the election? Fans want entertainment and do NOT want wokeness and soft refs to ruin our NBA experience," a fan said.

Other fans said that the referees should be made accountable as well.

"Yall keep fining players but never hold your refs accountable," a fan said.

"Embiid making a donation on the referee's behalf," another X user wrote.

While a fan said that the seven-time All-Star should be fined more, several fans commented that the amount is a bit high.

"Fine him more!!!!! First for flopping and then for swearing at the crowd," a fan uttered.

"75k for waving to fans this league is a joke LMAOOOOO," one fan wrote.

"That’s a bit extreme wouldn’t you say?" another fan said, posting a video of Embiid's gesture.

A fan posted a video on X of the alleged incident by Embiid wherein the center gestured to the crowd after making a 3-pointer. NBC Sports Philadelphia's Noah Levick said another possible play was during Embiid's celebration after making a layup with less than four minutes left in the opening period. These are only speculations, as the NBA did not specify the exact play in its statement.

Earlier in the season, Embiid was suspended for three games without pay after an altercation with Philadelphia Inquirer's Marcus Hayes.

Joel Embiid called out for an aggressive approach toward a female official

In Monday's 111-106 victory against the Spurs, Embiid was ejected after receiving two technical fouls.

Referee Jenna Schroeder issued both technicals late in the second period, and according to crew chief Curtis Blair, Embiid made "incidental contact" with Schroeder as the center charged toward the official. An enraged Embiid had to be restrained.

During halftime of that game, NBATV's Stephanie Ready and the crew discussed the incident. Ready said that she had a problem with the 7-foot center charging toward Schroeder.

“He approaches and steps to her as if he wants to have a physical confrontation, which I have a problem with. He has to be restrained and he's now out of the game. I have a lot to say as a woman," Ready said on the broadcast.

Frustrations are piling up for Embiid, the one-time NBA MVP. His Sixers are currently in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. He has struggled to remain healthy, only appearing in nine games this season.