All-Defensive Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert was fined to the tune of $100K, the maximum amount possible, by the NBA, the league has announced (Twitter link).
After being whistled for his sixth (and thus final) personal foul on Friday during the fourth quarter of an eventual 113-104 overtime road loss to the Cavaliers, Gobert made a mocking “money” gesture indicating that attendant referee Scott Foster was being influenced by gambling.
The 7’1″ big man was hit with a technical foul, and the ensuing foul shot enabled Cleveland to send the contest into a bonus period.
“Mistakes happen. Referees make mistakes, too,” Gobert said after the game. “But sometimes I think it’s more than mistakes. I think everyone that’s in this league knows. I think it’s got to get better. … I know the betting and all that is becoming bigger and bigger, but it shouldn’t feel that way.”
Gobert stated that he expected to be fined for his comments but wanted to speak his mind because, “I think it’s hurting our game.”
“The fine takes into account Gobert’s past instances of conduct detrimental to the NBA with regard to publicly criticizing the officiation,” the NBA said in its statement announcing the $100K fine.
Gobert, 31, has looked like his Jazz-era self on the court for the West’s No. 2 seed. Across 62 contests, he’s averaging 13.8 points per game while shooting 64.9% shooting from the floor. He’s also putting up 12.9 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, and 1.2 assists per night.