Minnesota Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert was slapped with a hefty fine by the NBA after hinting to officials that he believed he placed a sports bet on Friday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With less than 30 seconds left in a close game in which the Timberwolves led the Cavs 97-96, Gobert was called for his sixth foul of the night. Gobert left the game with a foul and didn’t like Scott Foster’s call.
Gobert rubbed his fingers together as he walked off the court, suggesting the referee was betting money on the game.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert reacts after fouling out during the second half of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. (Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)
This demonstration was one that the league didn’t like and now goes beyond the technical foul Gobert was assessed for. The league announced that Gobert was fined $100,000 for his actions.
“The fine is in recognition of Gobert’s past conduct that is detrimental to the NBA, including publicly criticizing referees,” NBA executive vice president and chief of basketball operations Joe Dumars said in a statement. Ta.
The worst part was that a technical foul ultimately forced the Cavs to tie the game, and Cleveland ended up winning 113-104.
Tea Wolves’ Anthony Edwards hits his head on the rim on a nasty game-winning blocked shot.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Gobert reiterated his belief that betting has a destructive effect on the game.
“I’ll try again,” Gobert said Friday. “I’ll be the bad guy. I’m going to pay the fine, but I think it’s hurting our game. I know the stakes and everything is getting bigger and bigger, but it shouldn’t feel that way.”
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert dunks during the second half of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. (Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports)
“I think my reaction was true, but it wasn’t the right time to react like that. It cost the team the game. It was an immature reaction. It wasn’t just a one-time call. Everyone makes mistakes, but… When it’s over,” and over and over again, of course it’s frustrating. ”
Mika Nori, who replaced Chris Finch as acting head coach, did not like Gobert’s actions at this time.
Timberwolves assistant head coach Mika Nori, who was filling in for sick Chris Finch, said, “Honestly, a technical foul 27 seconds into the game is unacceptable.” “That’s Rudy, but we’ve got to be smarter. He made the visuals automatically. He was obviously frustrated — so were both teams — but we’ve got to be smarter. .”
Gobert, the leading candidate for NBA Defensive Player of the Year, left the game with seven points and 17 rebounds for the team that ranked second in the Western Conference.
Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a technical foul called by referee Natalie Sago during the fourth quarter of a game against the Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland on March 8, 2024. . (Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The T-Wolves were the top team in the West, but with the loss and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s win, they leapfrogged Minnesota into first place.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcastplease subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
