The last time the Toronto Raptors were in the playoffs, Bryan Colangelo was the general manager.
This time around, Masai Ujiri has the position and it didn’t take him long to make his mark on the 2014 NBA Playoffs.
Prior to game 1 of the Raptors’ first round series against the Brooklyn Nets, Ujiri addressed the crowd during a rally outside Air Canada Centre. While doing so, the Raptors’ GM yelled, “F**k Brooklyn!”, much to the delight of those within earshot.
As you can probably imagine, that didn’t go over too well at the league offices. Ujiri originally received a formal warning and no fine was to be forthcoming. After further consideration, a $25,000 fine was levied.
“Just trying to get the crowd out there rattled — wrong choice of words, Ujiri said via ESPN. I apologize to kids out there and to the Brooklyn guys. Nothing against them. Just trying to get our fans going. That’s it.”
Because of the setting, some in the court of public opinion have been lenient with Ujiri’s comment. However, it’s tough to argue with the fine given his position within the franchise.
