The NBA has fined the Philadelphia 76ers $100,000 for making public statements that were deemed inconsistent with center Joel Embiid’s health status, violating the league’s player participation policy. The announcement was made on Tuesday.
According to the NBA, the comments were made by Sixers head of basketball operations Daryl Morey and head coach Nick Nurse. However, the league did not specify which statements were in violation.
The investigation confirmed that Embiid was unable to play due to a left knee injury, and his absence from games was not in breach of the player participation policy. Sources informed The Athletic’s Joe Vardon and Sam Amick that while Embiid did not sustain a new injury to his knee during the Olympics, the condition was unstable enough that returning to play posed a risk for further damage. This justifies the Sixers’ designation of “left knee injury management” for Embiid.
Under the league’s policy established last season, the NBA reviews any instances when a star player sits out a nationally televised game. An investigation was launched last week following Embiid’s absence from the season opener.
Embiid missed 29 games at the end of the previous season after undergoing surgery on his left knee to address a meniscus injury. He also missed the entire preseason and has not yet played in a regular-season game.
Currently, the 76ers hold a record of 1-2 and are set to host the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday, but Embiid will not be available for this matchup. Last season, the 76ers faced two fines totaling $175,000 for not properly disclosing Embiid’s injury status.
