Rudy Gobert Fined $100K for Accusing NBA Referee Scott Foster of Cheating

Rudy Gobert made possibly the most iconic money gesture in sports history outside of the college football world on Friday night, when he rubbed his fingers and thumbs together in the direction of controversial veteran referee Scott Foster, insinuating that he was being paid off to make sure the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves that night. If you watched the game, it was hard to disagree.

Rudy Gobert fined $100,000 for making money gesture at Scott Foster

And as expected, though, the league hammer was brought down on Gobert Sunday afternoon… though it did not hit quite as hard as many expected. No suspension. Instead, Rudy received only a $100,000 fine.

The NBA announced Rudy Gobert has been fined $100,000 for his actions towards, and comments about, the officials during and after Friday’s loss to Cleveland.

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) March 10, 2024

The biggest surprise isn’t the lack of discipline for throwing out the money sign. I was expecting Gobert to be hit with a suspension for what he said afterwards, when he bluntly accused the NBA referees and/or the league itself of rigging games to make sure they receive specific outcomes and that it could be related to the more recently popularized gambling industry.

“Referees make mistakes, too. Sometimes I think it’s more than mistakes. And I’m gonna stay at that. I think everyone that’s in this league knows. And I think it’s got to get better. I’ll bite the bullet again. I’ll be the bad guy again that speaks what I think is the truth. And hopefully the league — I mean they’re probably gonna fine me, and once again I’ll take the fine — but I think it’s hurting our game. We shouldn’t — I know the betting and all that is becoming bigger and bigger — but it shouldn’t feel that way. And I give all my respect to the other team, to Cleveland. They played a hell of a game, too. But just let the players decide the game.”

Rudy Gobert (quote via Dane Moore)

Language from the CBA re: Gobert fine

Conduct or Statements Detrimental; Tampering. The maximum player fine that may be imposed for (1) conduct or statements prejudicial or detrimental to the best interests of basketball, the NBA, or a team, or (2) violations of the tampering… https://t.co/0bsvHfh1Yz

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) March 10, 2024

Related: If A-Rod, Marc Lore Miss March Payment Deadline, Timberwolves Purchase Could Be Canceled

The Minnesota Timberwolves are back in action tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers. With Karl-Anthony Towns out indefinitely with a torn meniscus, it was crucial that Gobert play tonight in LA so this is big news for a team that has dropped two of its last three.