Carlisle disputes $100K Pacers fine; NBA defends process
carlisle-disputes-pacers-100k-fine-nba-defends-process
INDIANAPOLIS — Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said Tuesday he disagrees with the National Basketball Association’s decision to fine Indiana $100,000 for violating the league’s player participation policy.
The NBA announced the penalty earlier this month, citing the team’s decision to sit Pascal Siakam and two other players during a Feb. 3 game against the Utah Jazz. Commissioner Adam Silver said the league determined the Pacers had “prioritized draft position over winning.”
Carlisle challenges league findings
Speaking on 107.5 The Fan in Indianapolis on Feb. 24, 2026, Carlisle argued the ruling was based on an incomplete medical review. He said a league attorney concluded that guard Aaron Nesmith, injured the previous night and “unable to hold the ball,” should have played against Utah.
“I didn’t agree with it,” Carlisle told the station. “We offered to put the NBA in touch with our doctors, and even with Aaron himself. They said they didn’t need to.”
Carlisle added that league representatives asked whether the club considered medicating Nesmith so he could appear in the game. “That was very surprising,” he said, noting the Pacers were “30 games under .500” at the time.
League issues rebuttal
Hours after Carlisle’s interview, an NBA spokesperson told The Athletic the coach’s account was “inaccurate.” According to the league, an independent physician led the medical review and interviewed Indiana’s general manager as well as the team’s senior vice president of sports medicine and performance.
“Indiana confirmed it provided all requested information,” the spokesperson said, adding that additional interviews with Carlisle or a team physician were deemed unnecessary.
No further disciplinary action has been announced.
Source: Hoops Wire
