NBA Under Fire for Controversial Anthony Edwards Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Dougherty | Last updated Feb 28, 2025 1:06 AM ET

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards is facing steep punishment after being ejected from Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, but the NBA is also taking some heat for the controversial decision.

Edwards was ejected from the game after being called for his second technical foul. The Timberwolves star was knocked to the floor in the third quarter and given a technical foul after appearing to complain about not getting a whistle.

A visibly upset Edwards paced the court before throwing the ball into the crowd. Edwards is already facing a mandatory one-game suspension for reaching his 16th technical of the season, and will also face a fine for throwing the ball.

Anthony Edwards was just ejected and tossed the ball into the crowd instead of back to the officials. pic.twitter.com/V3BF7yH5A0
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) February 28, 2025

The calls prompted a swift backlash from fans, with some accusing the league of coming down too hard on Edwards and for instructing officials to give too little leeway on technical fouls.

"This Anthony Edwards technical foul is the weakest I've ever seen in the NBA," one fan shared in a post on X.

This Anthony Edwards technical foul is the weakest I've ever seen in the NBA.pic.twitter.com/JOujpM3DhP
— KO (@KnightOw7) February 28, 2025

Some fans called the league shortsighted for coming down so hard on star players like Edwards.

"Ejecting Anthony Edwards in a somewhat close game is exactly why ratings are down and I hope they PLUMMET even more," one shared in a post on X.

Others criticized the league for the mandatory suspension after 16 technical fouls in a single season.

"The NBA needs to limit the number of technical fouls that refs are allowed to give out," one fan wrote on X. "They just gave Anthony Edwards 2 (stupid) techs after 2 blown calls, and ejected him in the 3rd quarter *in Los Angeles*. Fans who paid to bring their kids to come see him play are rightfully pissed."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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