Jaylen Brown calls out 'overemotional' referee following ejection
Jaylen Brown was ejected from the Boston Celtics win over the New York Knicks on Friday. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter, as Brown disagreed with a foul call while he was playing defense, and a dispute between the All-NBA wing and the referee ensued. Brown received his first technical for dissent. He was then substituted out of the game by the Celtics but received a second technical while on the bench.
Speaking to the media after the game, Brown made no secret of his frustrations. He noted how the referee couldn't hear him from the bench and was "overemotional," which likely led to his ejection.
“I wish I would’ve gotten my money’s worth,” Brown said. “I always thought my first career ejection would be something a little more exciting. Maybe a tussle or something, and guys get folded up and go to the ground. Not some overemotional ref who had a bad day. What I’m most upset about is that I should’ve gotten my [expletive] money’s worth.”
Brown isn't new to altercations on the court. Throughout his career, there have been multiple back-and-forths with players when things have gotten overly physical. However, he doesn't usually bark at the game officials.
Throughout the season, there have been several questionable ejections around the league. Brown's is the latest one in a growing line.
Still, the Celtics will need to be wary of future ejections. Yes, their roster is deep and littered with high-level talent. Yet, in recent weeks, they've been forced to cover for both Jayson Tatum and Brown when they've been thrown out of games. Blaming the game officials won't change anything. Boston's younger stars must learn to internalize their frustrations. Arguing with referees has been an issue for multiple years, to the point its own fanbase has grown tired of it.
Furthermore, Brown needs to be aware of the microscope he's under. After signing a $288 Supermax contract extension in the summer, he's being held to a higher standard. Ejections in close games will only serve to increase the criticism thrown his way.
Yes, Brown has a right to feel aggrieved. However, he put himself in a position to be ejected. It's fair to say that both parties were at fault, and both will need to learn and grow from the experience.
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