Rudy Gobert’s controversial money gesture toward an official during the Timberwolves’ overtime loss to the Cavaliers is likely to draw the NBA’s attention. Despite the potential consequences, Gobert stands by his actions, suggesting they were justified given his frustration with the officiating.
Gobert’s technical foul came in the final seconds of regulation when he made the gesture toward referee Scott Foster, implying possible bias. Although Foster didn’t witness the gesture, fellow official Natalie Sago did and issued the technical.
After the game, Gobert openly admitted to his actions and expressed broader concerns about the influence of gambling on the game’s integrity. “I’ll bite the bullet again,” he stated, acknowledging the potential fine and suspension he may face. His technical foul allowed the Cavaliers to tie the game, adding weight to the situation.
Minnesota assistant coach Micah Nori criticized Gobert’s behavior, labeling it as unacceptable given the timing of the incident. Despite acknowledging his frustration, Nori stressed the importance of maintaining composure in such situations.
Gobert, reflecting on the incident, admitted that while his reaction may have been truthful, it was immature and ultimately detrimental to his team’s performance. He acknowledged the need to handle such situations more appropriately in the future.
Moreover, Gobert emphasized that his frustration stemmed from what he perceived as consistent officiating errors throughout the game, rather than a single call.
