Doc Rivers Warns NBA Is Settling ‘Dangerous Precedent’ With Officiating

The 76ers coach didn’t mince words on Friday when addressing the state of NBA officiating.

In addressing the media on Friday, 76ers coach Doc Rivers didn’t mince words in regards to the Game 3 Joel Embiid kicking incident, the recent suspension of Draymond Green and the overall state of NBA officiating. 

Although he admitted he shouldn’t be speaking about the situation, the Philadelphia leader did not hold back about his fears that the league could be headed down a dangerous path.

“Listen, I’m gonna say this, probably shouldn’t. I didn't think Draymond should have been suspended and I think the league is setting up a very dangerous precedent right now,” said Rivers. “And this is not me campaigning.”

Doubling down on Embiid’s post-game comments, Rivers believes that star players are being singled-out by opponents. “Teams are targeting the better players trying to instigate them to get thrown out. If we’re going to start punishing the retaliators and not the instigators, then we’ve got a problem in this league.”

The outspoken coach was candid about growing up in a different era, where questionable actions wouldn't take place on playground courts. 

“If I was at a park, and you stood over me, we’re gonna have a problem. I didn’t grow up in the sticks and stones era, I grew up in the break the bones era,” added Rivers. “I’m not picking on Nic Claxton, but I don’t think at a park you’re standing over Joel."

Doc Rivers’ comments on NBA refereeing, suspensions, and “a very dangerous precedent”: pic.twitter.com/LwohKCTNGu

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) April 21, 2023