Rudy Gobert slapped with $100,000 fine after suggesting NBA referees bet on games 

The NBA announced it fined Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert $100,000 "for directing an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture" toward a referee.

Rudy Gobert slapped with $100,000 fine after suggesting NBA referees bet on games 

Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert, the Minnesota Timberwolves center, wasn’t too pleased with the level of the officiating during the recent overtime 113-104 away loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers. His dissatisfaction led to him making a series of controversial gestures and comments, both during and after the game.

Rudy Gobert had preempted the consequences of his actions, and true to his wishes, the NBA found his comments to have violated their rules and subsequently issued a fine amounting to $100,000. According to the NBA, he was fined for “directing an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture” at a match official.

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Joe Dumars, the Executive Vice President, and Head of Basketball Operations delivered news of the fine. He said the hefty fine takes into account the Frenchman’s “past instances of conduct detrimental to the NBA with regard to publicly criticizing the officiating.”

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The fine bagged by Gobert, outrightly trumps the one issued to teammate Anthony Edwards for being publicly critical of the officials in January during the game against the OKC Thunder. The fine slapped on Gobert was the maximum amount that could be issued based on the collective bargaining agreement.

What led to the hefty fine against Rudy Gobert?

The Minnesota Timberwolves were leading 97-96 when their French center, Gobert went for a rebound while fending off two defenders which led to him being whistled despite the play not being violent. Gobert was then fouled out as it was his sixth foul.

Gobert, out of frustration and anger, then made money gestures with his hands which led to him getting subsequently ejected. That wasn’t the end as Gobert took to the press to add fuel to the fire he started by claiming that the official’s action was influenced by a gambling problem. He said:

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… 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.
Rudy Gobert said

Gobert, who was a victim of a Draymond Green chokehold, brought this upon himself as his comments were ill-mannered. It is safe to say that he deserves the fine that has followed.

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