NBA referees have been a big subject in the league over the last week. To begin the season, they were issuing technical fouls to players for mugging after a highlight-worthy play. It’s crazy, according to former players and pundits, especially if it affects a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Tyrese Haliburton recently discussed it on JJ Redick’s podcast “The Old Man and the Three.”

The Greek Freak was stunned when he was asked to leave the game, and the Bucks nearly lost due to the officials’ terrible decision. Anthony Edwards was just assessed a technical penalty for the identical offense. Haliburton recommended that the referees allow such outbursts when the player is already on one technical foul and is a superstar.

The NBA is tightening the screws to encourage better on-court behavior by the players, leaving little opportunity for theatrics. However, this can often be a disadvantage to displaying passion. The NBA wants the players to operate somewhere between the two, and the line is becoming smaller with each passing season.

The reaction of the players following Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dismissal

Tyrese Haliburton and JJ Redick weren’t the only players to react to the Greek Freak’s dismissal. Damian Lillard, Antetokounmpo’s teammate, was also dissatisfied with the referee’s decision. In the post-game interview, the former Blazers great discussed how the technical penalty might have, and almost did, change the course of the game.

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith slammed the refs, saying, “Who the hell is paying to see the referee? That is not an excuse to kick Giannis Antetokounmpo out.” Shaquille O’Neal, the NBA superstar, expressed this view on his Instagram story. With harsh reactions from all media outlets and NBA players, it is clear that the officials got this one wrong.