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NBA Fines Rudy Gobert $100,000
The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced that Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has been fined $100,000 for his actions during a recent game. This penalty comes two days after Gobert made remarks implying that referee Scott Foster was not officiating games fairly and insinuating that gambling is negatively impacting game outcomes. This fine represents the maximum amount allowed under the current collective bargaining agreement, matching the fine levied against former Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden for his public trade demand last year.
Incident Details
Gobert received a technical foul in the final moments of the Timberwolves’ 113-104 overtime defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday. Following a contentious call by Foster, Gobert made a gesture toward the referee by rubbing his fingers together in a money sign motion. After the game, Gobert expressed his dissatisfaction with the officiating, remarking, “I’ll bite the bullet again. I’ll be the bad guy. I’ll take the fine, but I think it’s hurting our game. I know the betting and all that is becoming bigger and bigger, but it shouldn’t feel that way.”
NBA Response
The NBA investigated the incident and determined that Gobert’s gesture towards the official was inappropriate and unprofessional. Additionally, his public criticism of the officiating was deemed unacceptable by the league. NBA executive vice president for basketball operations, Joe Dumars, cited Gobert’s history of detrimental conduct related to criticizing officials when announcing the fine. This marks the fourth occasion on which Gobert has been fined for publicly disparaging referees despite earning $41 million this season.
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