Evan Turner ejected for bouncing ball toward ref (Video)

Newly-acquired Boston Celtics swingman Evan Turner was ejected from Wednesday night’s preseason game against the Toronto Raptors after he argued a few calls and gently tossed the ball toward the official. The latter act didn’t seem all that malicious, but Turner was given the boot anyway.

Turner began jawing at the ref late in the third quarter as he dribbled the ball up the court after a Toronto basket. When the official blew the play dead to slap Turner with a technical, the former Ohio State star stopped and tossed the ball toward the ref. It bounced twice before hitting him in the leg. Celtics coach Brad Stevens thought it was enough to warrant an ejection.

Had the ref been looking in Turner’s direction, he probably just would have grabbed the ball and thought nothing of it. But considering it was a preseason game, the official likely felt it was as good a time as any to make an example out of Turner.

Video via Pro Basketball Talk