Rudy Gobert is not afraid to express his discontent with the referees, even if it could lead to a fine.
The 2024 NBA Defensive Player of the Year committed a fumble foul on Jamal Murray with four minutes left in the fourth quarter of Game 4. It was Gobert’s fifth personal foul and he disagreed with the call.
Gobert very quickly made a money gesture with his hands after being called for a foul. He didn’t direct it at anyone, but naturally, the cameras caught it. Gobert’s hand movement implies that the referees could be taking control.
The 7-1 center made the exact signal during Minnesota’s March 8 game against the Cavaliers. That time, Gobert directed it toward Scott Foster, and Natalie Sago gave the center a technical foul for the act. The NBA subsequently fined Gobert $100,000.”
“The fine takes into account Gobert’s past instances of conduct detrimental to the NBA regarding publicly criticizing referees.” saying Joe Dumars, executive vice president of the NBA.
Will Gobert get another fine for his Game 4 antics? Here’s the answer and more about the four-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Will the NBA fine Rudy Gobert for money gesture?
While Gobert did not direct the gesture toward any referee, he could receive another hefty fine for his actions.
Rudy Gobert made the “money signals” to the referees after a push he didn’t like.
The last time he did this, the NBA fined him $100,000 ? pic.twitter.com/R5h4gyvBi7
– Buzz on the court (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 13, 2024
When Dumars imposed the fine in March, the price reflected Gobert’s history of publicly criticizing NBA officiating. Two months have passed and Gobert has repeated his actions, so the NBA will likely receive a similar or more severe fine.
One thing the NBA doesn’t play with is players and coaches criticizing referees. The league office frequently levies such fines, but it doesn’t seem to stop 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-no. Adam Silver banned former Raptors forward Jontay Porter for life after he violated policy.
Gobert, of course, will not receive this level of punishment. It is unlikely that he will even be suspended. However, he could receive another fine.
Rudy Gobert’s fine history
Gobert has accumulated four fines in his career for criticizing NBA officiating, according to Spotrac.
- December 5, 2018: $15,000 for criticizing the officiating during Jazz vs. Heat
- March 5, 2021: $20,000 for public criticism of officiating and off-field conduct
- March 31, 2023: $25,000 for criticizing officiating after Timberwolves vs. Suns
- March 10, 2024: $100,000 for actions and comments towards officials during and after Timberwolves vs. Cavaliers
Rudy Gobert’s suspension history
Gobert has only been suspended once in his career, according to Spotrac. It was for one game after he hit Kyle Anderson during the Pelicans vs. Timberwolves.
- April 10, 2023: $263,258
Playoff schedule between Timberwolves and Nuggets
| Game | Date | Sand | Time (ET) | television channel |
| Game 5 | may 14 | in denver | 10:30 pm | TNT |
| Game 6 | May 16 | in Minnesota | 8:30 pm | ESPN |
| Game 7* | may 19 | in denver | Determined | TNT |
*If necessary
