NBA Fines Rudy Gobert $75K for Money Gesture Seeming to Accuse Refs of Being On the Take: ‘Questions the Integrity of the League’
David Zalubowski/AP
The NBA on Tuesday announced that it fined Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert $75,000 for making a money gesture toward referees during Sunday’s game.
In the fourth quarter of Game 4 between the Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals, Gobert was called for a loose ball foul while trying to grab an offensive rebound. Gobert was in disbelief at the call.
While walking to the other side of the floor, Gobert made the subtle gesture with both hands.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) May 13, 2024
According to the league, that split-second gesture was enough to warrant the fine because of its implication.
“Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has been fined $75,000 for making an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture that questions the integrity of the league and its game officials,” the league said in a statement.
“The fine takes into account Gobert’s history of improper conduct toward game officials.”
The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/KAGG2iIaSr
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 14, 2024
In the regular season, Gobert did the same gesture during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Rudy Gobert gets a technical foul for making money gestures 😅pic.twitter.com/B52BQmIeBJ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) March 9, 2024
After the game, Gobert doubled down and claimed sports betting was “hurting our game.”
The 31-year-old was fined $100,000 at the time.
