Many players call out referees when calls do not go their way. However, Kelly Oubre Jr. took matters to a whole new level. The Philadelphia 76ers star allegedly let loose some NSFW insults the referees’ way. This came after the 76ers ended up losing after the Los Angeles Clippers benefitted from controversial no-calls.
Head coach Nick Nurse argued with officials about two specific plays. Controversially, the referees did not call for fouls. Both of the no-calls featured a contact on Kelly Oubre Jr. as he tried to make a game-winning shot. When joining his head coach to argue with the officials, he allegedly let out some NSFW words:
You a b**ch, you’re a b**ch and you’re a b**ch. You got it? Your dad’s a b**ch, your mama’s a b**ch, your grandma’s a b**ch!
Kelly Oubre Jr. via 76ers vs. Clippers game
Oubre Jr.’s rant at the referees was not audible. However, lip reading suggests that those were the words he said.
In the first play, the forward drove the ball to the basket as Kawhi Leonard chased from behind. The referees called it a jump ball. Bizarrely, there was enough contact from Leonard to warrant a foul. In the next possession, Paul George body-checked the Philadelphia 76ers forward as he again drove to the basket.
The referees did not call this apparent blocking foul on George. What made matters worse was that two previous calls were overturned after the Los Angeles Clippers challenged. Now, with these controversial no-calls apparently costing them the game, Oubre Jr. let his rant out.
Kelly Oubre Jr. apologized later for his outburst
The 76ers vs. Clippers resulted in a heated moment from Oubre Jr. After the game, Oubre Jr. apologized for his use of words to reporters in the locker room.
Kelly Oubre Jr. (via People)This is what he said:
I want to apologize for just losing my cool, because that’s something I try to work on each and every day, and try to represent God in the best way I possibly can, and that wasn’t it. I just ask for forgiveness. It wasn’t cool, so I’ll take whatever penalties come with that, and I gotta be better.
Kelly Oubre Jr. via post-game interview
Oubre Jr. mentioned that the referees were human, and could make mistakes at any time. However, the 76ers star did talk about calls that did not go their way.
Kelly Oubre Jr, on his heated exchange with the refs after the game.
“I want to apologize for just losing my cool, because that’s something I try to work on each and every day, and try to represent God in the best way I possibly can, and that wasn’t it. I just ask for… pic.twitter.com/OK9w4dbRcp
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) March 28, 2024
The NBA does not take things lightly when fans and coaches call out the officiating. Referees eject players during a game if they use NSFW insults against them. But as this happened after the game, the referees were powerless to do anything against Kelly Oubre Jr. and Nick Nurse.
However, that’s where the league might step in. There could be fines and reprimands coming Oubre Jr.’s way. After all, those were not kind words for anybody.
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