Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert fined $100k for gesture, comments implying refs involved in gambling

The NBA fined Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert $100,000 — the maximum amount allowed for conduct detrimental to the league as written in the Collective Bargaining Agreement — on Sunday for “directing an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a game official, and publicly criticizing the officiating” during Friday’s game in Cleveland.

Gobert flashed a money sign toward the officials after he fouled out in the final minute of regulation of Minnesota’s overtime loss to the Cavaliers, leading to a technical foul that allowed Cleveland to tie the score with a free throw. After the game, Gobert defended his gesture as “the truth.”

“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,” he said.

Implying that the officials are in any way compromised by gambling — without any evidence — is, of course, quite damaging to the NBA. While there were a number of questionable whistles throughout the game against both teams, Gobert’s sixth foul did appear to be the correct call.

The NBA said Sunday that the fine “takes into account Gobert’s past instances of conduct detrimental to the NBA with regard to publicly criticizing the officiating.”

Gobert has criticized the officiating after numerous games already this season.

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