The NBA decided on Wednesday night to fine Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown $25,000 for making a throat-slitting gesture after taking a dunk against the Detroit Pistons.
Brown celebrated with a wild dunk over Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart. Stewart played physically and aggressively, and Brown responded. In the heat and intensity of the play, with 12 seconds left, the 28-year-old made a throat-cutting gesture toward Stewart. That's all it takes to sway the ire of those in power.
Two days later, NBA President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced a $25,000 fine for what the league called an “inappropriate gesture.” According to To ESPN.
This angle of Stewart's Jaylen Brown poster is fucking cold 🥶 @Celtics Cooking🔥pic.twitter.com/cp5STgasai
— Celtics ☘️ Banner 19 (@BiggLynch) December 5, 2024
The hefty fines are a bit excessive given the circumstances and simply take the focus away from the sport by pushing the issue onto the corporate policies that govern the sport.
The NBA made the following announcement: pic.twitter.com/rRG7JTlXme
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 6, 2024
Brown didn't seem too surprised. He admitted to reporters after the game that he knew he would be held accountable.
Celtics forward Jaylen Brown was fined $25,000 Wednesday for making a throat-slitting gesture toward Isaiah Stewart.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 6, 2024
If the NBA doesn't expect its players to hit the court with fire and ferocity, they're underestimating their players' passion for the sport. The gesture wasn't ideal and a penalty was expected, but it doesn't really hurt Brown considering he agreed to a $304 million contract with the Celtics in 2023. (Related article: Jontay Porter faces possible lifetime ban from NBA after allegedly committing 'mortal sin' in gaming)
