NBA fines Nets' Jason Kidd for public criticism of officials

Nets coach Jason Kidd has been fined for public criticism of the officials. (Claus Anderson/Getty Images)

The NBA announced Friday that Nets coach Jason Kidd has been fined $25,000 for public criticism of the officials.

Kidd's comments came on a media conference call one day after Brooklyn lost Game 5 to Toronto on Wednesday. The first-year coach was upset that Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan combined to attempt 23 free throws while Joe Johnson attempted only one during the Raptors' 115-113 home win.

"If flopping is the way to go, we maybe have to play that game," Kidd said, according to Newsday. "But Joe is a strong individual and unfortunately he doesn't flop. He plays, he doesn't complain. That's why we have officials.''

Brooklyn had a last-minute chance to steal the road victory after Andray Blatche missed a free throw with a few seconds remaining, but the Nets wound up committing a backcourt violation following the scramble for the ball.

Kidd believed that Nets guard Shaun Livingston was fouled "right in front of [referee] Tom Washington'' in the scrum.

Back in November, Kidd was fined $50,000 by the NBA for intentionally spilling soda on the court. He also served a two-game suspension for pleading guilty to DWI at the beginning of the regular season.