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Rudy Gobert isn't afraid to express his displeasure with the referees, even if it could result in him picking up a fine.
The 2024 NBA Defensive Player of the Year committed a loose ball foul on Jamal Murray with four minutes left in the fourth quarter of Game 4. It was Gobert's fifth personal foul, and he didn't agree with the call.
Gobert, ever so quickly, flashed a money gesture with his hands after he was whistled for the foul. He didn't direct it at anyone, but naturally, the cameras picked it up. Gobert's hand movement implies that the referees might be on the take.
The 7-1 center did the exact signal during Minnesota's March 8 game against the Cavaliers. That time, Gobert directed it toward Scott Foster, and Natalie Sago issued the center a technical foul for the act. The NBA later fined Gobert $100,000."
"The fine takes into account Gobert's past instances of conduct detrimental to the NBA with regard to publicly criticizing the officiating," said NBA executive vice president Joe Dumars.
Will Gobert get another fine for his Game 4 antics? Here's the answer and more on four-time Defensive Player of the Year.
MORE: Jamal Murray's halfcourt heave caps off wild Game 4 sequence
Will the NBA fine Rudy Gobert for money gesture?
The NBA announced Tuesday it would be fining Gobert $75,000 for "making an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture that questions the integrity of the league and its game officials."
Below is a full look at the league's statement about the suspension:
The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/KAGG2iIaSr
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 14, 2024
Gobert didn't direct the gesture toward any referee, but it still earned him the second-largest fine of his NBA career.
Rudy Gobert did the “money signs” to the referees after a push off call on him that he didn’t like.
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 13, 2024
Last time he did this, he was fined $100,000 by the NBA 😳 pic.twitter.com/R5h4gyvBi7
When Dumars issued the largest fine of Gobert in March, the price was reflective of the center's history of publicly criticizing the NBA's officiating. Two months later, Gobert repeated his actions, so the NBA came down with a similarly harsh fine.
One thing the NBA doesn't play around with is players and coaches criticizing the referees. The league office issues those fines often, but it doesn't seem to refrain athletes and coaches from speaking out.
The NBA also has a strict gambling policy, so Gobert implying that a referee had fixed the game is a serious no-go. Adam Silver banned former Raptors forward Jontay Porter for life since he broke the policy.
Gobert didn't receive this level of punishment, of course. He wasn't even suspended. He was just fined.
MORE: Jamal Murray fined for throwing heat pack onto floor in Game 2
Rudy Gobert fines history
Gobert has racked up five fines in his career for criticizing the NBA's officiating, per Spotrac.
- Dec. 5, 2018: $15,000 for criticizing the officiating during Jazz vs. Heat
- March 5, 2021: $20,000 for public criticism of officiating and conduct exiting playing court
- March 31, 2023: $25,000 for criticizing the officiating after Timberwolves vs. Suns
- March 10, 2024: $100,000 for actions and comments toward officials during and after Timberwolves vs. Cavaliers
- May 14, 2024: $75,000 for making an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture that questions the integrity of the league and its game officials vs. Nuggets.
Rudy Gobert suspension history
Gobert has only been suspended once in his career, per Spotrac. It was for one game after he punched Kyle Anderson during the Pelicans vs. Timberwolves game.
- April 10, 2023: $263,258
Timberwolves vs. Nuggets playoff schedule
| Game | Date | Arena | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| Game 5 | May 14 | at Denver | 10:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Game 6 | May 16 | at Minnesota | 8:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Game 7* | May 19 | at Denver | TBD | TNT |
*If necessary
