There are NBA players accused of manipulating offenses and officiating. According to the Boston Celtics, defenders can do that now, too — and their main target is Jaylen Brown.
The five-time All-Star revealed that the Celtics have sent clips to the NBA for review, involving defenders deliberately putting themselves in danger in order to draw offensive foul calls.
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“I guess they call it 50-50 depending on what it is,” Brown said, per Daniel Donabedian of ClutchPoints. “I guess defending guys are just putting their face there, and I’m allowed to go into my normal shooting motion.
“Now, because their face is there, it’s given as an offensive foul. I disagree, but I have sent clips to the league.”
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown tries to escape defenseKevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
(Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images)
Brown added that such tactic nearly cost the Celtics their game against the Miami Heat. He also said that their blowout loss to the New York Knicks was partly due to this issue.
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This is not the first time Brown has complained about the way referees handle games. He is not shy about making his feelings known when it comes to officiating.
The Celtics star was fined $35,000 last month for criticizing the league over his team’s lack of free throws in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Boston attempted a total of four free throws, and Brown himself did not earn a single trip to the charity stripe.
“I’m driving to the basket. I’m physical. I don’t flop. I don’t shy away from contact. I go up strong. I’m athletic — and nothing,” he said.
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“The inconsistency is [expletive] crazy. Give me the fine.”
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.