During a recent NBA game, Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun was ejected for calling female referee Jenna Reneau a derogatory term after a disputed call that he felt was unjust. This incident occurred during the Rockets' loss to the Boston Celtics, and Sengun's remarks were made in a moment of frustration on the court. Post-game, he acknowledged the incident and expressed regret, indicating that in the heat of competition, emotions sometimes take over.

Following the game, Sengun took the opportunity to clarify his statements and formally apologize to Reneau. He emphasized that he had approached her after the incident to express his remorse, stating that he did not intend to be disrespectful and that such behavior is unacceptable. He described the interaction as amicable, with Reneau understanding that it was an emotional moment for him as a player.

The incident raises questions about the treatment of female officials in professional sports, particularly in the NBA, where the representation of women in officiating roles is still growing. The league has made strides towards inclusivity, but incidents like this serve as reminders of the challenges that remain. It remains uncertain if Sengun will face disciplinary action from the league for his outburst, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation.