Kobe Bryant Foul

[Sal Giaco]

Guys,
Again, I don't want to argue with basketball referees because I've never officiated a basketball game. However, I can see and it is clear as day that he deliberately elbowed the guy (in a retaliation manner) in the throat and chin area.

Does this act qualify for an immediate ejection in the NBA?

Maybe because it was Kobe, the star people pay to see, they decided to keep him in the game. Perhaps that's the reason for NOT ejecting him.