The NBA has issued a $40,000 fine against Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards. This penalty comes in response to Edwards’ “repeatedly publicly criticizing” the referees. Edwards felt it was unfair until he attempted to hold his composure but soon lost it during his interview.
NBA News: Anthony Edwards Fined $40,000 by NBA Over Referee Remarks
Edwards Made His Presence Felt in the Thunder-Wolves Match
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Wolves had an intense game with 24 lead changes and six ties. Edwards did his damage, shooting 50% (10/20). He also scored a three-point shot two minutes into the second half, which advanced his team to a 56-47 lead.
The Thunder held a one-point lead of 97-96 with 2:43 left on the clock before Wolves ramped up. Edwards’ gameplay was nothing but fluid. His emphatic two-handed slam was enough to give Wolves a firm control of 101-97, and from then on, they held a four-point advantage for the rest of the game.
What’s Edward’s Stance After the Game?
The NBA Communications official statement was released on Wednesday. It asserted that it all began when Edwards articulated his stance following his team’s 107-101 victory against the Thunder.
On camera, Edwards shouted, “cheating a** refs,” as they celebrated their close victory on air.
“Cheating ass refs”
Anthony Edwards made it known he thought the refs were bad tonight pic.twitter.com/xe0h7Ub8tL
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) January 30, 2024
This is what he said during his on-court postgame interview when he was asked how they got it done:
Anthony Edwards called out the refs after the game. A fine is definitely coming lol pic.twitter.com/Xz9NXUitZ0
— Oh no he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) January 30, 2024
It didn’t end there. Most of his remarks were made during the ESPN interview while he was in the locker room.
“The refs was bad tonight. Yeah, they was terrible,” Edwards said. “We was playing 8-on-5.”
“The cat got their tongue tonight, so it’s all good,” Edwards referred to the referees. “It’s not fair, but it’s all good.”
Edwards is just one of many who have criticized referees this season, including names like Paul George, Trae Young, and Dillon Brooks. He certainly won’t be the last one to do so.
Edwards is used to receiving fines. Although $40,000 seems like a big hit, they don’t appear to faze him much. He was fined $50,000 last season for “recklessly swinging a chair,” which hit two spectators after a playoff game. Edwards was also fined $40,000 in 2022 for recording a group of men on a sidewalk, during which he made a derogatory and offensive remark.
Though Edwards may appear problematic, he has been proven to be the type of player he is on the court several times. Something that has always been marked about him is that he is undoubtedly a star in the NBA.
