Rudy Gobert fined again for gesture toward referee
Nov 9, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert did not exactly learn his lesson about making one gesture toward NBA officials.
The league announced Tuesday that Gobert has been fined $75,000 for “making an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture that questions the integrity of the league and its game officials.” Gobert made the gesture during the Timberwolves’ Game 4 loss to Denver in the Western Conference semifinals.
The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/KAGG2iIaSr
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 14, 2024
The gesture in question was making the “money” sign after being called for a foul in the fourth quarter of Game 4, suggesting that officials were being paid to call the game a certain way.
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) May 13, 2024
This is the second time this season Gobert has been fined for that exact gesture, with Scott Foster being his target both times. The first time, Gobert was a lot more overt.
On this occasion, Gobert was subtle enough to at least avoid a technical foul in the moment. He was fined $100,000 for that gesture, more than he was in this instance, presumably because he was also publicly critical of the officials after the game.
