The NBA is once again coming for the Philadelphia 76ers’ checkbook.
In a release on Tuesday, the NBA announced that they are fining the 76ers $100,000 over the injury situation with center Joel Embiid. The release notes that the fine is due to public statements made by 76ers GM Daryl Morey and head coach Nick Nurse that were inconsistent with Embiid’s health status.
However, the NBA also stated in the release that the 76ers did not violate player participation policy with Embiid. This is because the league was able to confirm that Embiid is indeed dealing with an actual injury.
The former NBA MVP Embiid has not played at all this season due to what the 76ers have been calling “left knee injury management.” Embiid tore the meniscus in his left knee last January and had to undergo surgery. But he returned to play for the 76ers in April and also competed on Team USA at the Paris Olympics this past summer.
Last week, the news broke that the NBA was investigating the 76ers over Embiid’s injury situation. While it turns out Embiid’s actual health was not the issue, the 76ers’ messaging with regard to his health apparently was. It should also be noted that the 76ers have a history of violating the NBA’s injury reporting policy, which the league noted when they last fined the team over their handling of Embiid back in April.
