Minnesota Timberwolves center and three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert is never one to shy away from controversy.
Friday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Gobert fouled out after a loose ball foul with 27 seconds remaining with the Timberwolves holding a 97-96 lead. Gobert refused to leave the court, instead staying near the scorer’s table and making a money gesture at the referees.
The Timberwolves wound up losing in overtime, a period that would not have happened if not for Gobert’s outburst.
After the game, he accused sports betting of having an outcome on the game, indirectly accusing the referees, as well.
“I’ll bite the bullet again,” Gobert said. “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.”
Sunday, the league announced a $100,000 fine for Gobert due to his words and actions. NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations Joe Dumars noted that the fine. “takes into account Gobert’s past instances of conduct detrimental to the NBA with regard to publicly criticizing the officiating.”
This is Gobert’s fourth career fine for criticizing officiating. He was also fined and suspended for one game in the 2023 playoffs after an altercation with teammate Kyle Anderson.
[ESPN]
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