Rudy Gobert fouled out of the Timberwolves OT loss to the Cavaliers and he made a money sign at the referees with 28.6 seconds left in regulation after picking up his sixth foul, which led to a technical that allowed the Cavs to tie the game. Gobert openly said that sports betting is influencing modern NBA referees, which has prompted the NBA to find the center $100,000.
“Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has been fined $100,000 for directing an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a game official, and publicly criticizing the officiating, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. The fine takes into account Gobert’s past instances of conduct detrimental to the NBA with regard to publicly criticizing the officiating. Gobert’s actions took place during and after the Timberwolves’ 113-104 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 8 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.”
The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/afAFpiVTR7
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 10, 2024
Gobert’s full comments were made in an article by The Athletic, where he took accountability for costing the Timberwolves the game but also referenced how betting has started impacting officials in his view.
“I bite the bullet every game. I’ll be the bad guy again that speaks what I think is the truth. … 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. I know the betting and all that is becoming bigger and bigger, but it shouldn’t feel that way.”
This is a theory that many fans have started buying into ever since 2021, when the league brought on FanDuel and DraftKings as official betting partners, encouraging their fans to bet on NBA games through these apps.
The NBA Will Continue Striking Players Down
Many modern fans have criticized NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for not being as strict at enforcing certain rules with modern players compared to what David Stern did. However, Silver’s NBA has taken a very pro-referee stance, shielding them from criticism at almost all levels. Referees are not held accountable for any mistakes, with the league striking down official protests and fining coaches who criticize officials.
Gobert didn’t name-drop any referee but allegations of poor sporting merit are something the NBA will not entertain. The swift response to Gobert has fans thinking that the comments hit a nerve within the league office, as a $100,000 fine makes it clear to all other players that linking betting with officiating could result in a similarly hefty fine for them.
The NBA is no stranger to crooked referees, as evidenced by the Tim Donaghy scandal from the mid-2000s, in which current referee Scott Foster was reportedly involved due to his friendship with Donaghy. Foster is still in the NBA as his career has continued without any major troubles, outside of his beef with Chris Paul. The same can’t be said about Donaghy, who’s ‘persona-non-grata’ in NBA circles now.
The league’s lack of action on Eric Lewis, a former referee and Celtics superfan with a suspicious record while officiating Celtics games was allowed to retire before the league could uncover the results of an investigation against him. There are many more instances of referees being protected by the NBA for a variety of reasons.
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