Fred VanVleet took the bold step of criticizing NBA officiating after the Toronto Raptors lost to the Los Angeles Clippers, with VanVleet receiving an unfair technical foul.
The NBA has had to take action as players are not allowed to criticize referees in media appearances. They did so by fining FVV $30,000.
Raptors' Fred VanVleet has been fined $30,000 for comments about the NBA's officiating on Wednesday night.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 10, 2023
VanVleet’s tirade was directed at referee Ben Taylor in the Clippers game, but the sentiment was about larger officiating issues. Scottie Barnes was ejected by Scott Foster in the Raptors’ game against the Nuggets as well after he objected to controversial calls going against Toronto at the end of the game.
Fred VanVleet Having A Down Year
VanVleet seemed to solidify himself as the Raptors’ point guard once long-time franchise point guard Kyle Lowry left the team in the summer of 2021. He became an All-Star and received a massive contract extension before having a visible fall-off this season.
FVV is averaging 19.3 points, 6.9 assists, and 4.3 rebounds on 39.1% shooting from the field. The Raptors have struggled as a result and Fred was heavily rumored in trade talks over the winter. He can opt out of his contract at the end of the season and test free agency, or accept a $22.8 million player option and stay with the team for another season.
Teams like the Orlando Magic have been linked with signing VanVleet in the summer if he does end up opting out. However, his play this year might have affected his contract value given the struggles he has faced. Lossing VanVleet for nothing will hurt the Raptors, as they have no guards ready to take his place in the rotation.
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