Celtics’ Jayson Tatum reacts to his ejection in win over the 76ers: ‘I wasn’t that f—king mad’
Jayson Tatum said he was “extremely surprised” that he was ejected from the Celtics 125-119 win over the 76ers on Friday night at the TD Garden.
Tatum was whistled for a loose ball foul with 1.1 seconds left in the third quarter. Instead of just heading to the bench, Tatum complained to the officials. After being told to head to the bench, officials whistled Tatum for his second technical foul and tossed the superstar from the game.
“I felt like I got fouled,” Tatum said. “I was just trying to have a conversation about that play. It was just kind of simple of that.”
Tatum told reporters postgame that he didn’t swear to the refs, however the NBA’s postgame pool report said that Tatum “overtly” gestured to the officials.
“Did I cuss? No I didn’t. I didn’t say a cuss word. If you watch the clip you can probably read my lips. No hand gestures. Me and Bill [Kennedy] were having a conversation and the other two refs. Like I said, the refs do a have an effect on the game.
“They do have an effect on the outcome and I don’t agree with it,” Tatum added. “I’ve been in the league long enough and I’ve seen a lot worse behavior tolerated for a lot longer. So for those to throw me out the game, I was shocked. They always say get your money’s worth when you get fined for these techs and I definitely did not get my money’s worth.”
Tatum watched the remainder of the game from inside the TD Garden following his ejection. He admitted that he was frustrated with the call and situation but clarified his level of annoyance.
“Again, I wasn’t that [expletive] mad. Don’t put that narrative out there. I didn’t throw nothing. I said what I said. There were no magic words. Assistant coaches were right there. I don’t know, maybe they didn’t want me to play tonight. They were eager to get me out of there.
“I walked back calmly,” Tatum continued. “I sat in my chair, I got some ice, I was not mad, I didn’t throw anything. I was just like it’s a joke. I had to laugh it off. So no, I didn’t cry, I didn’t throw anything. I got ice and watched the rest of the game and watched us win.”
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