“Threaten lives of 3 men” – Serbian star Nikola Jokic’s ‘mafia-like’ response to referees leaves NBA fans in splits

Nikola Jokic has been suspended for the second time this season.

“Threaten lives of 3 men” – Serbian star Nikola Jokic’s ‘mafia-like’ response to referees leaves NBA fans in splits

Nikola Jokic (Credits: Reddit)

With just 1:08 remaining in the second quarter of the Denver Nuggets‘ thrilling victory over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday, star player Nikola Jokic was unexpectedly ejected. Nikola was certain that they had fouled him late in this quarter while trying a layup, but the referees disagreed, and they took away the game in response to his protest.

He screamed at baseline official Mousa Dagher, jogging back on defense in an attempt to get a foul call. This resulted in a technical foul and an instant ejection, which caused the Chicago crowd to boo. Witnesses along the baseline told ESPN that Nikola yelled, “Call the foul, motherf—er,” during his outburst, which included several insults.

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They questioned Nikola about the contentious call following the game. He made a sarcastic joke about how fortunate it was for both teams that they did not play the game in Serbia. Nikola Jokic said to Altitude Sports:

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It is what it is. I'm just happy that we didn't play in Serbia this game. It could've been really fun to see how it would be handled.
Nikola Jokic to Altitude Sports

Nikola Jokic, a native of Sombor, Serbia, got ejected from this game for the second time this season, which puts him as the third player to do so after Draymond Green and Jalen Duren. Jokic put on a noteworthy performance on Tuesday even though he only played 16 minutes: 4 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists.

NBA fans respond to Nikola Jokic’s ejection

Nikola Jokić expressed his outrage with official Mousa Dagher as the Bulls moved into an offensive configuration. Dagher chose at the end of the play to eject Jokić as Chicago was attacking quickly. After the game, they questioned Mark Lindsay, the head of the officiating crew for Tuesday’s game, about the incident. He chose not to elaborate on Jokic’s remarks, though.

Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic (Credits: The Denver Post)

Serbians are renowned for being fierce basketball fans who attend intense games. Thus, as Jokic hinted, they may not have liked it if officials had dismissed their nation’s biggest star with such ease. Many locals with ties to his native country were present on this night honoring Serbian heritage in Chicago, and they were all excited to see the Joker. A lot of fans are making fun of the officials and calling this the worst ejection in history.

https://twitter.com/Johnnogc/status/1734819039816581197

Jokic’s suspension and Jamal Murray’s absence on the second night of two consecutive games did not stop the Nuggets from defeating the Bulls 114-106. Denver now has a 6-5 record in games where Jokic was shown the door.

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