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Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert signed a massive five-year, $205 million contract prior to the 2021 NBA season.
That’s probably a good thing right about now.
Gobert’s pockets will be a little bit lighter in the coming days after the NBA hammered him with a $100,000 fine. on Sunday.
The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/afAFpiVTR7
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 10, 2024
The fine comes after Gobert rubbed his thumb and fingers together in a money gesture toward referee Scott Foster and criticized officials following a 113-104 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
Rudy Gobert just told Scott Foster he knows a PARLAY when he sees it!! Croissant man is hilarious!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣💀💀💀
pic.twitter.com/21ize1PjPC— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) March 9, 2024
“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 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.”
Boy, did he ever bite the bullet.
The $100,000 fine is the largest the league is allowed to hand down for comments “prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests of basketball, the NBA, or a team “under the current collective bargaining agreement.
“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.
Gobert made his point loud and clear. But he probably wishes he was a little less loud or a little more clear right about now.