Rick Carlisle Apologizes for 'Uncalled for and Unprofessional' Salah Mejri Jab

Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle apologized to Mavericks center Salah Mejri following his outburst in Monday's 98-75 win over the Washington Wizards. 

According to Earl K. Sneed of the Mavericks' official site, Carlisle described the situation as "uncalled for and unprofessional":

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Rick Carlisle says he has spoken with Salah Mejri and apologized after last night’s ejection, calling his own actions and words afterwards “uncalled for and unprofessional.” Carlisle adds that he has to form a better relationship with Mejri’s alter ego, “The Mej.”

— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) January 23, 2018"

Mejri was ejected with 3:19 left in the third quarter Monday. As Mejri was complaining about his ejection, Carlisle told him to "get the f--k outta here."

According to the Dallas Morning News' Eddie Sefko, Carlisle's issues with Mejri are deeper than just the ejection. Sefko described the third-year veteran as "a demonstrative player" who may be building a bad reputation in the eyes of NBA referees.

That problem can cut both ways. Not only might officials be quicker to whistle Mejri for fouls, but they may also hesitate to recognize when he's actually getting fouled.

Portland Trail Blazers fans almost certainly still remember his over-the-top reaction to getting pushed by Evan Turner in Dallas' 117-108 defeat last Saturday, which NBC Sports Northwest shared on Twitter:

Carlisle's concerns around Mejri will be heightened this season, given the strained relationship between players and referees. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski spoke to people from both sides in December. The referees believe players often cross the line during the on-court interactions about calls, while the players feel the referees are too quick to shut down any dissent or anger regarding a decision.

Although Mejri is only averaging 11.9 minutes a night for Dallas this season, he has been a difference-maker when he's on the floor. According to NBA.com, the Mavericks have a 7.4 net rating with Mejri. Mejri doesn't help the team when he picks up silly fouls that force him to the bench.