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76ers fine Johnson for using phone on bench

Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Philadelphia 76ers have fined Amir Johnson for conduct detrimental to the team, general manager Elton Brand announced in a team statement Saturday, according to Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix.

The NBA Operations Manual prohibits the use of cell phones on the bench during games and a violation of the ban will result in a fine and/or suspension.

Television cameras caught Johnson using his cell phone while on the bench during the Sixers' Game 1 loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

"I have addressed the matter with Amir directly and he understands why his actions were unacceptable," Brand said. "We are moving forward together with our full focus now on Game 2."

Joel Embiid - who was involved in the incident - was asked about the affair postgame and told reporters that Johnson was checking for updates on his sick daughter. However, Johnson nor the team confirmed if that was the case.

"I apologize for having my phone on the bench in today's game," Johnson said in the team's statement, according to Mannix. "I take full responsibility and will accept the consequences of my actions. I also apologize to my teammates, the 76ers organization, and the fans for the distraction this has caused."

Johnson was inactive for Saturday's game. The veteran forward played sparingly in the regular season, averaging 3.9 points in 10.4 minutes per contest across 51 appearances.

Game 2 goes Monday at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

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