76ers' Joel Embiid Fined $35,000 for Obscene Gesture, Invited to WrestleMania by Triple H

Embiid's fining by the NBA comes in the wake of his mimicking wrestling group D-Generation X's obscene gestures during a match against the Portland Trail Blazers which led to an invitation for Embiid to attend WrestleMania 40 by WWE's Triple H, though schedule conflicts might prevent his attendance.

The NBA has fined Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid $35,000 for mimicking the WWE group D-Generation X's 'obscene' crotch chop celebration during a match against the Portland Trail Blazers. The incident occurred in the third quarter when Embiid scored and was fouled, leading to his controversial celebration.
Embiid's celebration, which has been performed by him in the past, was widely heard about, leading to an invitation from WWE's Triple H for Embiid to attend WrestleMania 40. The event coincidentally takes place in Philadelphia, where the 76ers are based.
However, Embiid may be unable to attend WrestleMania due to conflict with the 76ers' game schedule. The team is scheduled to face the Miami Heat on April 4 and the Memphis Grizzlies on April 6, meaning the NBA star will likely be unable to be present for the wrestling event.
Alongside the controversy, Embiid demonstrated strong performance during the Blazers' game, recording game highs with 35 points and 15 rebounds and helping the 76ers secure a 126-98 victory at Wells Fargo Center. The performance marked their second win of the season.
Embiid, who was named NBA MVP in 2022-23 and has been with the Philadelphia 76ers since 2014, had previously been fined $25,000 for the same 'obscene' gesture in a game against the Brooklyn Nets in January. Despite the fine, Embiid's fan-base remains strong and he retains his reputation as an eccentric player on and off the court.

The Philadelphia Inquirer