Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert found himself in hot water once more as the NBA slapped him with a hefty $75,000 fine for what was deemed an “inappropriate and unprofessional gesture.”
Frustration Boils Over
In Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets, Gobert was annoyed by a foul call that he made an eye to and rubbed both thumbs together with his fingers. This slight but obvious gesture implied that nobody respected the league and its game officials.
History of Improper Conduct
The NBA’s decision to fine Gobert was based on his former behavior, especially his record of ill-treating the game officials, which was evident from his previous actions. To start with, two months ago, right before a regular season game of the Denver Nuggets and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Gobert was called for a technical foul for the same money-counting gesture. On that day, he was raided $100,000 for the first time.
Censure of the increasing betting influence is a topic of debate.
After the Cleveland game incident, Gobert was of the view that the betting on the NBA has been increasing and that it could possibly be a reason for the games to go the other way. He courageously uttered the words, even though the danger of being expelled was there, thereby stressing his opinion that such tendencies are ruining the sport.
League Response
Whereas the referees did not see Gobert’s hand signal on Sunday’s match, the NBA acted quickly. Joe Dumars, the executive vice president of basketball operations, highlighted the league’s no-tolerance policy for any action that would damage the credibility of the game.
For instance, as Rudy Gobert is about to pay another huge fine, the incident is a signal to the NBA that in both the game and off the court they are serious about keeping the players professional and moral.
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