NBA docks Celtics’ Jaylen Brown $35,000 for criticizing officials
nba-docks-celtics-jaylen-brown-35000-for-criticizing-officials
The NBA has fined Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown $35,000 for comments he made about the game’s referees following Saturday’s 100–95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, the league announced Monday.
Speaking with reporters at TD Garden after the defeat, Brown blasted what he called “inconsistent” officiating, noting that Boston attempted only four free throws while he took none. “They can fine me whatever they want,” the four-time All-Star said during a two-minute postgame rant laced with expletives.
Brown, 29, finished with 27 points in 43 minutes, but the Spurs erased a halftime deficit behind rookie Victor Wembanyama, who scored 16 of his 21 points after the break. San Antonio shot 20 free throws and was whistled for 13 fouls compared with Boston’s 18.
The Celtics enter play averaging an NBA-low 18.9 free-throw attempts per game while launching the league’s second-highest volume of three-pointers, a style Brown said should not prevent officials from rewarding drives to the basket. “I’m physical. I don’t flop. I go up strong, and nothing,” he told reporters.
Brown also singled out referee Curtis Blair by name, calling the crew’s performance “terrible.” Under league rules, public criticism of officials is subject to discipline.
Brown has taken on an expanded role this season with fellow star Jayson Tatum sidelined by injury, emerging as an early Most Valuable Player candidate.
Source: ESPN
