[Saba Sports News] The NBA didn’t appreciate Joel Embiid’s Shawn Michaels impersonation. On Tuesday, the league announced that Joel Embiid, the reigning MVP of the Philadelphia 76ers, has been fined $35,000 for a celebratory gesture during Sunday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The NBA referred to it as an “inappropriate gesture” in their official statement regarding the penalty. This incident took place in the third quarter of the 76ers’ 126-98 victory over the Blazers at home. After scoring an “and-one” basket during a fast break, Embiid celebrated by mimicking the emphatic crotch chops made famous by the D-Generation X wrestling faction, which included Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Chyna, and others.
You can watch Embiid’s celebration here. Embiid is known for being a devoted WWE fan and has even playfully taunted opponents with D-Generation X-themed videos in the past. It’s worth noting that he had previously been fined by the league for a similar crotch-chop celebration last season.
Despite the fines, the seven-foot center appears committed to his unique celebrations, even if it means paying a $35,000 fine this time, up from the $25,000 fine he received previously.