Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic's Ejection Sparks Controversy
The recent ejection of Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic during a game against the Chicago Bulls has once again brought the issue of player-referee interactions into the spotlight. On the "Pickaxe and Roll" podcast, host Ryan Blackburn dives into the incident and raises questions about whether the NBA has a referee problem that needs addressing.
During the game against the Chicago Bulls, Nikola Jokic found himself ejected from the contest after a verbal exchange with referee Mousa Dagher. The incident occurred when Jokic uttered the phrase "MF," a common slang expression that, while not polite, is far from being the worst language heard on a basketball court.
Blackburn's initial reaction to the ejection is one of surprise. He questions the sensitivity of a referee getting offended by such a relatively mild insult, saying, "What a weak insult for a ref to get offended by when someone MF's you, that's insane." This raises concerns about whether referees should be more resilient in handling the occasional trash talk or heated moments that naturally arise during games.
It's essential to acknowledge that Mousa Dagher has a history of taking a strong stance against inappropriate language on the court. He has previously ejected players for crossing the line with their choice of words. In this context, Blackburn acknowledges that if a player's language goes beyond the bounds of sportsmanship, there may be grounds for an ejection. However, the question remains: Did Jokic's comment warrant such a reaction?
Nikola Jokic is back on the court on Thursday night against the Brooklyn Nets, the Nuggets are a 9-point favorite according to BetOnline.
