Rudy Gobert Fined $75K for Money Gesture Toward NBA Referees
During the second quarter of Game Four in the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Target Center on May 12, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rudy Gobert #27 from the Minnesota Timberwolves is fouled by Justin Holiday #9 from the Denver Nuggets.
During Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Denver Nuggets, Rudy Gobert, center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, made a money gesture towards the referees and is now facing consequences.
Rudy Gobert got fined $75k for this 💀💀 pic.twitter.com/DKmOZTzgIO
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) May 14, 2024
On Tuesday, the NBA revealed that Gobert was penalized $75,000 for a gesture that was deemed inappropriate and unprofessional, casting doubt on the league and its referees.
75 000$ d’amende pour Rudy Gobert ! 💰
La NBA annonce qu’il est sanctionné pour avoir de nouveau fait le signe “money” après un call.
Il avait déjà été sanctionné plus tôt dans la saison. pic.twitter.com/Vbk4UwetPf
— Basket-Infos (@Basket_Infos) May 14, 2024
Gobert signaled toward referee Scott Foster after committing his fifth foul in the fourth quarter of Sunday night’s game, with the Timberwolves behind by 12 points. He has been at odds with Foster before.
During a regular-season game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in March, Gobert repeated the money gesture towards Foster. Referee Natalie Sago called a technical foul on him, leading to a $100,000 fine from the NBA. Despite the consequences, he didn’t refrain from his criticism of the referees and hinted that gambling was a contributing factor.
The last time Rudy Gobert did this the NBA fined him $100K 👀 pic.twitter.com/lkWunXzI1O
— Mink Flow (@currypistonn) May 13, 2024
“I’ll tough it out once more,” Gobert stated following the Cavaliers matchup. I will take on the role of the villain. I will pay the penalty, but I believe it is damaging our sport. I am aware that gambling is growing in popularity, but it shouldn’t seem overwhelming.
Even though he achieved a milestone by earning his fourth NBA Defensive Player of the Year this season, Gobert has not performed as well as usual in the second-round series against the Nuggets. The Timberwolves had their strongest defensive showing of the series in Game 2, which they won as Gobert was absent to attend the birth of his son. Minnesota lost the following two games with Gobert’s return, leading to a tied series at 2-2.
Gobert will attempt to regain his dominance on defense as the Timberwolves face the Nuggets in Game 5 on Tuesday evening.