NBA Fines Cavaliers Coach Kenny Atkinson $50K for Outburst and Ejection
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The NBA levied a $50,000 fine against Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson for “aggressively pursuing, berating and making inadvertent contact with a game official” during Friday’s game in Phoenix, the league announced.
Atkinson was removed early in the fourth quarter after receiving his second technical foul. According to the league, the incident included the coach running onto the court, confronting the officiating crew and making physical contact while protesting a no-call on a drive by guard Sam Merrill past Collin Gillespie.
Frustration had been building since the opening period. Atkinson drew his first technical with about four minutes left in the first quarter, arguing that fouls were not being called consistently on both ends. Through three quarters, Cleveland had attempted just one free throw—an imbalance the coach highlighted by repeatedly holding up one finger from the sideline.
“We had one free throw after three quarters against a team that is 26th in fouls,” Atkinson said afterward. “Parts of the game seemed circus-like, quite honestly. I don’t know if that’s what we want as a league.”
The officiating crew consisted of Mitchell Ervin, Nate Green and Michael Smith. After the second technical, team security escorted Atkinson to the locker room. The coach acknowledged physical contact with an official during the exchange but insisted it was accidental. “There was no intention,” he said. “I think we touched. I wouldn’t say bumped.”
Source: Hoops Rumors
