Joel Embiid’s ‘lewd gesture’ vs. Celtics resulted in hefty fine
The 76ers center was fined $50,000 for what the NBA called a “lewd gesture” during Philadelphia’s loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday night.
With 7:08 left in the opening quarter, Embiid did a crotch chop after making a shot and getting an and-one. He wasn’t penalized during the game for the gesture.
Despite dropping 20 points, it wasn’t enough for Philadelphia in its one-point loss to Boston. It also marked the first loss of the season for the 76ers.
Embiid was limited to just 19 games during the 2024-25 season, but has played in four of the 76ers’ first five games. He’s averaged 17.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists early on.
The 76ers will rest their star center on a regular basis as a precaution after Embiid underwent knee surgery in April. He won’t play Sunday when Philadelphia hosts the Brooklyn Nets.
The Celtics, meanwhile, return home on Monday after two games on the road when they welcome the Utah Jazz to TD Garden.
Broncos HC Sean Payton Issues Clear Notice After Win Over Texans
Sean Payton was not pleased following the Denver Broncos’ win over the Houston Texans, and it could cost someone their job. However, it might not be who some think.
The Broncos had a field goal blocked and a muffed punt. Fortunately for the Broncos, the Texans were only able to convert those turnovers into 6 points. Still, Payton noted that the Broncos struggled in field positioning, too, again pointing to his special teams.
It all seemingly pointed to either a coaching or execution issue.
Sean Payton Sends ‘Damning’ Message on Broncos’ Special Teams
Payton met with the media after the hard-fought 18-15 victory. He noted the challenges of the Broncos being without All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II, the adjustments to Texans quarterback
But the team’s special teams snafus and the Texans’ effectiveness irked Payton.
The Denver Post’s Luca Evans called
“We’ll look at that on film, all of that. Without watching it on tape, my concern was just the late subs. It was a little bit sloppy in the kicking game. We’ll get that cleaned up, or we’ll find someone else that can do it,”
“The thing that was troubling me a little bit was, we went into it wanting to play as much of the game on their side of the field. And I felt in the kicking game, we didn’t do enough to leverage the field position battle, and defensively, fortunately, we held up. So, if you really paid attention to the game, I felt like our drives were starting to the far right or left, and their drives were starting more towards midfield. And fortunately, our defense took care of that. “
However, Payton’s ire was not believed to be aimed at special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi.
“From what I gather postgame, #Broncos coach Sean Payton was referring to personnel,” The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel reported
Payton could be seen instructing Broncos kicker Wil Lutz to send the ball the “right through” the uprights, smirking as the player confirmed he received the message. Lutz drilled a 34-yarder to win the game for the Broncos.
Michael Bandy muffed the punt. However, Payton praised him after the game.
He filled in for injured All-Pro Marvin Mims. Mims suffered a concussion late in Week 8 against the
Payton may not have been talking about Rizzie on Sunday. The Broncos still have plenty of work to do in that phase, getting outgained 147 yards to 106 yards on kick and punt returns in Week 9.
Sean Payton: Monday All ‘About Recovery’
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on against the Tennessee Titans.
Payton and the Broncos are on a short week. Their AFC West rivals, the
“Everything about tomorrow is recovery, walkthrough. We’ve learned a little bit more over the years,” Payton said, referencing his time with the Cowboys. “Whatever we did wasn’t right. I think we’ve learned a little bit more about the time from this game, and how we have to get these guys mentally and physically recovered from it. And then, fortunately, we’re playing at home.”
Unfortunately for Payton and the Broncos, they are unlikely to get Surtain back next week.
So, keeping their healthy players fresh is even more critical in his absence. They also escaped this contest without any further personnel losses, which is good news.
