NBA Fines Jazz Center Rudy Gobert for 'Profane Language' During TV Broadcast

After defeating the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4 of the Western Conference first-round playoffs, the NBA threw a wet blanket on the Utah Jazz's euphoric afterglow. On Sunday, Jazz center Rudy Gobert was fined $25,000 for using "profane language during a television broadcast."

The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/vYKsSAFYUm
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 24, 2022

With a salary-cap hit of $35.344 million this season — that's quarterback money in a different league — a $25K hit to Gobert's wallet will be barely perceptible. The infraction in question that so vexed the NBA was Gobert's courtside expletive while being interviewed on national television following the Jazz's 100-99 win over the Mavs in Game 4.

"F--- the talk," Gobert said courtside. "We're just trying to be the best team we can be. We're trying to enjoy the moment and whatever happens, happens."

Warning: NSFW.

Rudy Gobert: “Fu*k the talk.” 🗣

(h/t @gifdsports)

pic.twitter.com/0YA7JgW73u
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 23, 2022

Fans will likely forgive Gobert's profane slip of the tongue after the veteran center slammed home a Donovan Mitchell game-winning alley-oop with 11 seconds to go. Clocking 32 minutes in Game 4, Gobert finished with 15 rebounds, an assist, and 17 points.

Gobert's expletive encapsulated the Jazz's emotion over the buzz of rumored locker room discord and bad chemistry between the center and Mitchell. The veracity of the rumors is highly questionable as Gobert spoke to them with explicit authority, as did Mitchell post-game when discussing his alley-oop assist to the big man.

"I think it's funny, man," Mitchell said via Eric Walden of the Salt Lake City Tribune. "But it felt good, because you hear [the things that are said]. … We trust each other."

At the end of the day, the NBA's fine will be like water off a duck's back for Gobert. His focus, and that of the Jazz, is on going into Dallas on Monday night and bringing home a hard-fought road playoff win that would give Utah a 3-2 lead in a now-tied-up series.

Luka Doncic and the Mavs will obviously have something to say about that. But for now, Game 5 looms large as Utah's opportunity to send the most meaningful message possible about all these rumors and critics already circling the Jazz's wagons in anticipation of another early exit from the playoffs.

Follow Chad on Twitter @ChadNJensen.