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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 02: Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the LA Clippers in the second half at Intuit Dome on February 02, 2026 in Inglewood, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers forward Kelly Oubre Jr. had an unforgettable moment Saturday during a 126-111 loss against the New Orleans Pelicans. Midway through the second quarter, the frustrated 12-year NBA veteran voiced his displeasure with official Scott Foster in a candid outburst.
Oubre was overheard by an on court microphone right before the Pelicans’ free-throw attempt, clearly expressing his frustration with Foster.
“I wasn’t cursing, I said you’re a horrible ref,” Oubre can be heard saying, sending a message to the long-tenured official, who is known for his contentious relationship with players and coaches alike.
Take a listen…
What to Know About Kelly Oubre Jr.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 02: Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Wells Fargo Center on April 02, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
This wasn’t Oubre Jr.’s first controversial moment with officials. In 2019 as a member of the Phoenix Suns, Oubre Jr. was fined $10,000 in for inappropriate language toward an official. During the 2023-24 season, he was fined $50,000 for an outburst directed at officials following a controversial no-call in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The 28-year-old and former 15th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft is playing with his fifth NBA franchise. Oubre Jr. played four seasons with the Washington Wizards before joining the Suns. He played one season with the Golden State Warriors, then two with the Charlotte Hornets. He’s in his third season with the 76ers.
Oubre Jr. has found his role as a key contributor, averaging 14 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game this season, all above his career averages.
Despite Oubre’s productive season, the 76ers have found themselves struggling of late. The 76ers have lost four straight games and now sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings, 12.5 games behind the first-place Detroit Pistons (42-13).
With 26 games remaining in the season, the 76ers have an opportunity to climb up a crowded Eastern Conference before the NBA playoffs start.
What to Know About Scott Foster
GettyReferee Scott Foster #48 calls a technical foul on Golden State Warriors’ Chris Paul.
Foster has worked more than 1,500 regular-season games and 200 playoff contests since joining the league during the 1994-95 season. He is one of the most experienced, and polarizing, NBA officials.
However, Foster has developed a reputation for tense interactions with players and coaches. Over the years, several high-profile stars have openly criticized his officiating style, often describing the veteran official as quick to deal out technical fouls and unafraid too controlling of the play of the game.
Alex Shoemaker Alex Shoemaker is a seasoned sports journalist and digital content strategist with more than a decade of experience in newsrooms and digital media. He has covered a wide range of sports, including March Madness, the Olympic Trials, and local high school athletics. He began his journalism career covering high school and community sports, developing a reputation for sharp storytelling and precise design that earned awards for both writing and pagination. More about Alex Shoemaker
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