NBA slams Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert with maximum fine
Rudy Gobert knew he would be fined when he alleged NBA referees are influenced by sports betting following Minnesota’s overtime loss to the Cavs, and on Sunday the league turned his expectation into reality with a $100,000 fine.
The league says the fine is based on Gobert flashing money signs at the officials in addition to his postgame comments and his past criticism of officiating.
“The fine takes into account Gobert’s past instances of conduct detrimental to the NBA with regard to publicly criticizing the officiating,” the league said.
"Mistakes happen. Referees make mistakes, too. Sometimes I think it's more than mistakes. And I'm gonna stay at that," Gobert said after the 113-104 OT loss.
"I think everyone that's in this league knows. And I think it's got to get better. I'll bite the bullet again. I'll be the bad guy again that speaks what I think is the truth. And hopefully the league, I mean they're probably gonna fine me, and once again 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. And I give all my respect to the other team, to Cleveland. They played a hell of a game, too. But just let the players decide the game."
The $100,000 fine is the largest assessed to a player this season. And it blows away the $40,000 fine teammate Anthony Edwards was assessed in January for criticizing the referees after a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
According to the CBA, $100,000 is the maximum fine that may be imposed for conduct or statements "prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests of basketball, the NBA, or a team."
