Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid found himself in hot water during Monday night’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, after a heated altercation with referee Jenna Schroeder led to his ejection.

Embiid has been slammed for his outburst. Credit: Emilee Chinn/Getty

The incident unfolded late in the second quarter when Embiid received two technical fouls in rapid succession. The first was for disputing a foul call on Victor Wembanyama, and the second for a fiery confrontation with Schroeder, resulting in his expulsion from the game.

Tensions Boil Over

Replays of the incident remain inconclusive, though some angles appeared to show Embiid’s chin brushing against Schroeder’s hand as she signaled his ejection. Following the call, Embiid had to be physically restrained by teammates and coaching staff as he protested.

Embiid had to be restrained. Credit: Emilee Chinn/Getty

NBA broadcaster Stephanie Ready weighed in during the live broadcast, expressing her concerns about Embiid’s behavior:

“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. He is now out of the game. I have a lot to say, as a woman.”

Despite being ejected, Embiid returned to the court post-game to celebrate with his team, drawing further criticism from fans and commentators alike.

Sure looks like Joel Embiid committed an offensive foul, and lost his balance. Think he may have been embarrassed and got the 2 technicals.
pic.twitter.com/tO87oJc5p6
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) December 24, 2024

A Tough Night for Jenna Schroeder

Schroeder, an NBA official with over four years of experience, faced a challenging game. Earlier in the second quarter, she ejected Philadelphia’s Andre Drummond for what was initially ruled a foul on Wembanyama. After a review, the decision was overturned, reversing a technical foul on Wembanyama for flopping.

Embiid was ejected from the game. Credit: Emilee Chinn/Getty

This sequence of events created a tense atmosphere on the court, setting the stage for Embiid’s eventual outburst.

Social Media Reaction

Fans took to social media to voice their disapproval of Embiid’s behavior:

“What was Embiid doing? Clearly he was intimidating; that’s unacceptable behavior,” one user wrote.
Another commented: “Getting in a woman’s face and intimidating her? Over basketball? Get this man outta the league, bruh.”

Embiid is really the fucking worst. Getting in a woman’s face and intimidating her? Over basketball? Get this man outta the league bruh https://t.co/XfKEmWMh5a
— John Carl (@John_Carl98) December 24, 2024

A Season of Struggles

Embiid’s ejection marks another turbulent moment in what has been a challenging season for the star. Plagued by left knee soreness, a sinus fracture, and a recent suspension following a locker-room altercation, the All-Star has struggled to find consistency.

Despite the ejection, Embiid celebrated after the game. Credit: Emilee Chinn/Getty

Monday night’s performance was a stark contrast to his January 22 game against Wembanyama, where Embiid set a franchise record with a 70-point outing.

The NBA has yet to comment on whether Embiid will face additional disciplinary action for his actions during Monday’s game.

Featured image credit: Emilee Chinn/Getty