A brief on-court moment during the Chicago Bulls’ loss to the Brooklyn Nets has led to swift action from the league office. What appeared to be a split-second reaction quickly went viral, prompting the NBA to issue disciplinary action against a Bulls player just days into his stint with the team.
NBA Fines Collin Sexton $35,000 After Inappropriate Gesture Goes Viral
The NBA announced Tuesday that Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton has been fined $35,000 for making an inappropriate gesture during Monday night’s 123–115 loss to the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
The incident occurred late in the third quarter when Sexton, after missing the first of two free throws, turned toward the rim and briefly flipped his middle finger before jogging back on defense.
While Sexton did convert on the second attempt, and the gesture had no impact on the game’s outcome, the league moved quickly once the moment was captured on camera.
In an official statement, the NBA cited Sexton for making an “inappropriate gesture on the playing court,” noting that the incident occurred with 1:31 remaining in the third quarter.
Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton has been fined $35,000 for making an inappropriate gesture on the playing court:pic.twitter.com/ICDbYzV7Do
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) February 11, 2026
Whether the reaction stemmed from frustration or was meant in jest remains unclear. Regardless, the league’s stance was firm, issuing a fine that underscores that even fleeting actions are subject to discipline under NBA conduct rules.
Despite the fine, Sexton delivered a productive performance in the loss. Playing off the bench, the 27-year-old finished with 21 points and five rebounds, while shooting 6-of-8 from the free-throw line.
It marked one of his more energetic outings since arriving in Chicago and showcased the scoring punch he brings to the second unit.
Sexton Adjusts to New Role as Bulls Continue Rebuild
Monday’s game was just Sexton’s second appearance with the Bulls, following his trade from the Charlotte Hornets ahead of the deadline.
His time in Charlotte lasted less than a full season, as he was moved to Chicago in a deal that also involved Ousmane Dieng and multiple second-round picks, with Coby White and Mike Conley Jr. heading to the Hornets. The trade was later amended after White’s physical revealed a calf injury.
Sexton began the 2025–26 season in Charlotte, after previously spending four years with the Cleveland Cavaliers and three with the Utah Jazz. Across 44 games this season, including his appearances with both Charlotte and Chicago, Sexton is averaging 14.4 points per game while shooting better than 48% from the field.
Chicago currently sits 11th in the Eastern Conference at 24–30, and the team has struggled for consistency following its trade deadline overhaul. While Sexton’s long-term role remains to be defined, his ability to inject energy and scoring off the bench has already been evident.
Though the viral moment has overshadowed his debut stretch in Chicago, Sexton has emphasized adjusting to his new surroundings and growing alongside the Bulls’ evolving core.
As the franchise leans further into a rebuild, performances like Monday’s suggest he could still play a meaningful role, provided the focus stays on basketball rather than headlines.
