Joel Embiid became the latest addition to the list of sports stars fined for lewd gestures in November 2025.
The NBA MVP was hit with a $50,000 fine for performing a “DX chop” celebration against Boston.
Just weeks earlier, Travis Kelce’s sideline taunt earned him a similar punishment from the NFL.
From the NFL to the NBA, soccer to tennis, and inside the octagon, emotions often boil over.
Here are ten sports stars fined for lewd gestures whose celebrations became headlines.
Joel Embiid (2025)
Joel Embiid was fined $50,000 for making a “lewd gesture” during Philadelphia’s win over Boston in October 2025.
After drawing a foul and finishing the play, the 76ers star broke into a wrestling-style “DX chop” celebration made famous by D-Generation X.
Posting on X, Embiid compared his motion to the blocking-foul signal referees use, questioning why his was treated differently.
The NBA described the act as “obscene” and issued the maximum fine permitted.
Travis Kelce (2025)
Travis Kelce was fined $14,491 for making an obscene gesture during Kansas City’s Week 2 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The tight end appeared to direct a lewd motion toward the opposing sideline after a disputed play, though no flag was thrown at the time.
The NFL reviewed the footage and issued the fine days later. It marked Kelce’s tenth career fine, taking his total penalties above $130,000.
The veteran has become known as much for his celebrations as his consistency, but the league’s disciplinary office remains a regular visitor to his inbox.
Jude Bellingham (Euro 2024)
UEFA fined Jude Bellingham €30,000 for making an obscene gesture during England’s Euro 2024 win over Slovakia.
After scoring a stoppage-time equalizer, the midfielder grabbed his crotch while facing the opposing bench.
UEFA described it as “inappropriate conduct” and issued a suspended one-match ban alongside the fine.
Bellingham later said it was a private joke aimed at a friend, not directed at Slovakia.
Ja Morant (2025)
Ja Morant was fined $75,000 for repeatedly making finger-gun gestures during Memphis’ win over New Orleans in April 2025.
The league had already warned him to stop after earlier incidents, but the guard continued to celebrate baskets with the same motion.
Officials described his actions as “inappropriate and unsportsmanlike.” Morant later admitted he needed to “show better judgment” and accepted the fine without appeal.
It was another flashpoint in a turbulent period for the Memphis star, who was early punished for waving a gun in a social media clip.
Nick Kyrgios (2022)
Nick Kyrgios was fined $10,000 for making an obscene gesture during his first-round win at Wimbledon 2022.
After clinching victory against Paul Jubb, the Australian turned toward the crowd and appeared to mimic a sexual motion with his racket.
Earlier that season, Kyrgios had already been fined $7,500 for a similar gesture at Indian Wells. Both incidents came amid a string of code violations.
Kyrgios accepted the fines but defended his behavior as “emotion in the moment.”
Kygrios is known for being one of the most watchable figures in tennis.
Marshawn Lynch (2014)
The NFL fined Marshawn Lynch $20,000 for making a crotch-grab gesture during Seattle’s NFC Championship win over Green Bay in 2014.
The running back celebrated a fourth-quarter touchdown by turning toward the crowd and grabbing his groin as he jumped into the air.
It was not his first offense. Lynch had been fined $11,000 for the same gesture earlier that season against Arizona.
Both incidents came during his peak years with the Seahawks, when his celebrations became as famous as his runs.
Lynch remains one of the funniest, most watchable players in NFL history.
Can’t believe it’s already been 19 years since Marshawn Lynch’s iconic post-win injury cart joyride 🤣pic.twitter.com/QJzeng9iIO
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) October 21, 2025
Anthony Edwards (2025)
The NBA fined Anthony Edwards $50,000 for making an obscene gesture toward an official during Minnesota’s win over Phoenix in January 2025.
The incident happened in the final seconds after Edwards was called for an offensive foul.
As the play ended, he turned toward the referee and made a hand motion that was immediately caught on camera.
Edwards apologised post-game and said frustration “got the better” of him in the moment.
Paul Pierce (2008)
Paul Pierce was fined $25,000 for making an obscene gesture during Boston’s playoff win over Atlanta in April 2008.
The Celtics forward turned toward the Hawks bench late in Game 3 and made a hand motion that was ruled inappropriate by the league.
Officials confirmed the fine the following day but chose not to issue a suspension.
Pierce declined to comment on the incident, saying only that he was “focused on basketball.” Boston went on to win the series and later the NBA title.
Dennis Rodman (1997)
Dennis Rodman was fined $35,000 and suspended for one game after making obscene gestures toward fans in Utah during the 1997 NBA Finals.
The Chicago Bulls forward reacted to taunts from the crowd by turning to the stands and grabbing his crotch as he walked off the court.
It was one of several fines Rodman received that season for on- and off-court behavior.
His suspension forced Chicago to adjust its rotation during the series against the Jazz, which the Bulls still went on to win. scandal
Conor McGregor (2018)
Conor McGregor was fined $50,000 and suspended for six months after the chaotic scenes that followed his 2018 loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229.
Moments after tapping out, McGregor flipped off the referee and tried to climb the cage before a mass brawl broke out between both teams.
The Nevada State Athletic Commission handed down the punishment following a formal hearing.
Nurmagomedov received a larger fine and longer suspension for leaping into McGregor’s corner during the same melee.
The incident remains one of the most infamous nights in UFC history.
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