Fansided

GoFundMe page created in support of Joel Embiid after criticizing LaVar Ball

By Patrick Schmidt

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 8: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on prior to the game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Wells Fargo Center on February 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 111-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 8: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on prior to the game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Wells Fargo Center on February 8, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 111-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Joel Embiid is one of the most outspoken players in the NBA but his remarks about LaVar Ball cost him and now a GoFundMe page is set up in support of the 76ers center.

Joel Embiid won’t ever be confused for a shrinking violet as the 76ers center is one of the best personalities in the NBA and a must-follow on social media. Embiid is usually funny and keeps things casual, but his recent remarks on Instagram directed at LaVar Ball, the outspoken father of Lakers first round pick Lonzo Ball, has cost him money.

The NBA fined Embiid $10,000 after he unleashed the f-word at Ball on Wednesday through Instagram Live. It’s a wild time to be alive when players are getting fined for their social media behavior, but here we are. It’s even wilder to think there are people on social media willing to raise money to donate to charity.

The GoFundMe page won’t technically go toward paying Embiid’s fine but it will go toward charity, so there is something positive that comes out of this silliness. I don’t imagine Embiid will be shying away from being himself on Twitter and Instagram either because of this fine. If anything, I hope NBA commissioner Adam Silver takes it easy on the budding star, if he can stay healthy, and lets him be himself.

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Stars like Embiid are few and far between so having a personality like he has is a great marketing tool for the league. Sure, he can’t go around cussing out parents of players in the league, even if it’s a widespread belief that many other players and fans alike would like to say.

Still, Embiid doesn’t need to be muzzled or censored, so if this does happen again, maybe the NBA, Silver and 76ers brass can sit Embiid down and let him know to avoid any profanity and to keep his commentary clean, like his attempts to catch the attention of Rihanna.