Bulls' Huerter Ejected After Ball Hits Ref in Heat Loss

Chicago Bulls guard Kevin Huerter was ejected from his team's 143-107 home loss to the Miami Heat on Friday night after a ball he tapped in frustration struck referee Che Flores, prompting an immediate technical foul and removal from the game at the United Center.

The incident occurred with 8:18 remaining in the third quarter, as the Heat led 78-57. Huerter was defending Heat forward Pelle Larsson on a midrange shot attempt when officials called a shooting foul on the Bulls player for contact in the air. Visibly upset with the call, Huerter waved his arm and tapped the ball toward the scorers table near the sideline. The ball bounced once off the floor before hitting the back of Flores's right leg as the referee faced away, signaling the foul.

Veteran official Tony Brothers, positioned on the opposite sideline, quickly whistled a technical foul and ejected Huerter, who raised both hands in disbelief. Brothers then consulted with the crew and reviewed replay footage before upholding the decision. The ejection aligned with NBA rules prohibiting physical contact with officials or overt actions showing resentment toward a call, even if unintentional.