Amir Johnson may be hearing from the league soon.
The Philadelphia 76ers big man was caught peeking at his phone while on the bench during his team's Game 1 loss to the Brooklyn Nets. Johnson's cellular usage could result in discipline from the league, including a possible suspension.
Use of a cell phone on the bench is a violation of the NBA Operations Manual. Violation will result in a substantial fine and/or suspension.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) April 13, 2019
With just over six minutes remaining in Saturday's contest, broadcast cameras caught Johnson showing teammate Joel Embiid what appeared to be text messages. Shortly after, Johnson was seen heading to the locker room, though no reason was given.
Amir Johnson headed to the locker room minutes after the broadcast showed he and Joel Embiid going through a phone on the bench. pic.twitter.com/pnKVBKImFr
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 13, 2019
Asked about the affair after the game, Embiid said Johnson was checking for updates on his sick daughter.
"I just looked down because he said his daughter was extremely sick and he was checking on her," he said, according to The Associated Press' Dan Gelston.
Philadelphia head coach Brett Brown commented on the incident in his postgame press conference.
"It's completely unacceptable and, second, we will deal with it internally ... very soon," Brown said, according to the Washington Post's Ben Golliver. He added that he can't comment on any potential suspensions.
The Nets took Game 1 over the 76ers 111-102. Game 2 goes Monday in Philadelphia.
