NBA forward Zach Collins found himself at the center of controversy on Friday, Dec. 6, after being ejected during a heated San Antonio Spurs game against the Sacramento Kings. Following his ejection, Collins was caught on camera giving referee Michael Smith the middle finger—a move that could lead to disciplinary action from the league.
The Incident
The confrontation unfolded in the second quarter of the matchup at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. Collins, 27, received back-to-back technical fouls following a disputed call. The initial foul occurred during a play involving Kings star Domantas Sabonis. Collins appeared visibly frustrated after Sabonis, 28, made contact with him, but the foul was called on Collins instead.
As tensions boiled over, Collins yelled, “What the f—?” at Smith, prompting the referee to issue the first technical foul. Moments later, Collins directed additional expletives at Smith, resulting in a second technical and his ejection from the game.
Footage shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Hoop Central captured Collins pacing the sidelines in frustration. As he made his way off the court, he gestured toward Smith with his middle finger before cameras cut away. The gesture is a clear violation of the NBA’s player code of conduct and is expected to lead to a significant fine.
Consequences Loom
The NBA has a history of fining players for unsportsmanlike gestures. Just last month, Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook was fined $35,000 for directing an obscene gesture toward fans, and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards received a similar penalty for a lewd gesture during a game against the Kings.
Given the league’s precedent, Collins could face a comparable financial penalty. The NBA’s code of conduct explicitly states that players must maintain professional behavior on the court, with fines and suspensions levied for violations.
A Pattern in Kings Games
Collins’ ejection adds to a recent trend of contentious Kings matchups. Over the last month, the Kings have been involved in three games where players or coaches have been ejected. Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was ejected during a Nov. 5 game against the Kings, and Houston Rockets player Tari Eason, along with Rockets coach Ime Udoka, was ejected during a Dec. 3 contest.
Per NBA rules, players can be ejected after receiving two technical fouls or for committing a single act deemed unsportsmanlike. In Collins’ case, his two technicals sealed his early exit from the game.
Collins’ Performance and Game Outcome
Collins finished the game with modest stats: two points, two rebounds, one assist, and three fouls. His season average currently stands at 6.2 points per game, underscoring his role as a supporting player for the Spurs.
Despite the drama, the Sacramento Kings dominated the game, securing a commanding 140-113 victory. The Spurs continue to struggle this season, and Collins’ ejection highlighted frustrations within the team as they work to find consistency.
Looking Ahead
As the league reviews the incident, Collins and the Spurs are likely bracing for the fallout. The middle finger gesture, combined with the heated exchange, underscores the growing tension as teams navigate the grind of the NBA season.
For Collins, the episode serves as a reminder of the high stakes and strict expectations that come with being a professional athlete in the spotlight.
