Timberwolves center flashes money sign at officials after being called for 6th foul against Cavaliers
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, 27, calls referee Natalie after being called for a technical foul during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, March 8, 2024, in Cleveland. – Talk to Sago (9 years old). (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
The NBA suspended Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert for suggesting league referees were influenced by sports betting after a 113-104 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. He was fined $10,000.
The fine, imposed by league vice president and chief discipline officer Joe Dumars and announced via news release, includes Gobert throwing his hands at the referee after being whistled for his sixth foul late in the fourth quarter. This included flashing a money sign.
“The truth, that's what I really believe,” Gobert explained of his gesture that drew the technical and led to the game-tying free throw from the Cavaliers.
“Mistakes happen. Umpires make mistakes, too. But sometimes it's more than just a mistake. I think anyone who's been in this league knows that. We've got to get better. I think so,” Gobert said after the game. “I know the stakes and all of that is getting bigger and bigger, but it shouldn't feel that way.”
The league said Gobert's past critical comments about officials were taken into consideration when determining the amount of the fine. Players are typically fined between $10,000 and $30,000 for criticizing officials, but Gobert's teammate Anthony Edwards was fined $40,000 for blasting a referee in January. .
Considering the gravity of the innuendo, Gobert was lucky not to be suspended. He is scheduled to be in Los Angeles when the Timberwolves take on the Lakers on Sunday night.
Gobert, 31, who is in his 11th NBA season, is averaging 13.8 points, 12.0 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game for the University of Minnesota (44-20), which is a half-game behind Oklahoma City in the Western Conference. ing.
The last player to receive a $100,000 fine without being suspended said in August that he would not perform the service required under his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played at the time. It was James Harden.
Suspended players will also be “fined,” and checks from lost games will be donated to an NBA-sponsored charity. These fines most often exceed $100,000.
