Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert has found himself in a problematic situation yet again. This time around, he will need to shell out a whopping $75,000 from his own pocket after the NBA decided to slap the newly-crowned Defensive Player of the Year with a hefty fine for his behavior during their Game 4 loss against the Denver Nuggets.
As it turns out, Gobert has not learned his lesson.
According to an official statement released by the league via the NBA Communications Twitter account, Gobert has been fined $75,000 “for making an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture that questions the integrity of the league and its game officials.” This is in reference to the Timberwolves center making the money gesture using his hands as he complained about a referee’s call during their loss on Sunday night:
The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/KAGG2iIaSr
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 14, 2024
The NBA has fined Rudy Gobert 75K for making a “inappropriate and unprofessional gesture.” pic.twitter.com/HACTOX9kSI
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 14, 2024
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Gobert has been sanctioned for the exact same act. Earlier in the season, he was slapped with a $100,000 fine for performing this same gesture during a game. What is unclear, though, is why Gobert’s fine has been reduced to $75,000 now that this is his second offense.
The silver lining here for Minnesota is that Gobert will not be suspended for his behavior. The Wolves need their star big man available the rest of the way as they look to take down the defending champs Nuggets in the second round.
Game 5 of this series is scheduled for Tuesday night, and it goes without saying that the result of this showdown will play a crucial role in determining which team proceeds to the Western Conference Finals.
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