Yannis Adetokounmpo ejected for taunting foul, sits in fans’ seats courtside

Milwaukee Bucks star Yannis Adetokounmpo was ejected from Wednesday’s 120-118 blowout win over the Detroit Pistons for two fouls, one of which was a taunt.

During the third quarter, Adetokounmpo dunked on Pistons center Isaiah Stewart and looked down at him. The referees considered it a taunt and blew Adetokounmpo’s second technical foul of the game, leading to his ejection.

After being ejected, Adetokounmpo sat on the sidelines in the fans’ seats before being led off the court by his teammates.

The NBA rulebook defines a taunting foul as “any act by which a player intentionally provokes or ridicules an opponent.” It’s worth noting that the definition of “flagrant” is subjective, and what constitutes a taunting foul is a gray area that can vary from game to game.

Whether or not Alfate’s downward stare constitutes a taunting foul remains debatable. Some believe it was a harmless gesture, while others believe it was meant to provoke Stewart. Ultimately, it’s up to the referees to call a taunting foul.