The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert $100,000 on Sunday for making a money gesture at an official and criticizing officiating during Friday night’s game.
NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations Joe Dumars stated, “the fine takes into account Gobert’s past instances of conduct detrimental to the NBA with regard to publicly criticizing the officiating.”
Gobert was called for a technical foul in the closing seconds of regulation during the Timberwolves’ 113-104 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He rubbed his fingers together several times, suggesting that referee Scott Foster might be corrupt.
After being whistled for his sixth foul and disqualified, Gobert stayed on the floor and made the gesture as Foster approached the scorer’s table. Foster didn’t see Gobert, but official Natalie Sago did and issued the technical.
Minnesota Timberwolves Team (Via Minnesota Timberwolves/Twitter)
His technical allowed the Cavaliers to tie the game.
After the game, Gobert, known for being outspoken, didn’t deny his actions and suggested that sports betting could be affecting game outcomes.
“I’ll bite the bullet again,” Gobert said Friday night. “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.”
Minnesota assistant Micah Nori, who filled in for head coach Chris Finch, who fell ill just before tipoff, criticized Gobert’s behavior.
Rudy Gobert (Via Minnesota Timberwolves/Twitter)
“A technical foul with 27 seconds in the game, to be honest, is unacceptable,” Nori said. “That’s who Rudy is, but you’ve got to be smart. He made a visual that was automatic. He was obviously frustrated — both teams were — but we have to be smarter.”
Gobert, who finished with 17 rebounds in 37 minutes, acknowledged he needs to keep his composure.
“My reaction, which I think was the truth, but it wasn’t the time to react that way,” the 7-foot-1 center said. “It cost my team the game. It was an immature reaction.”
This is the fourth time Gobert has been fined for publicly criticizing officials.
