Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert is not happy with NBA referees and made some absurd and unfounded allegations about the league’s game officials following the T-Wolves’ 113-104 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. Gobert picked up a technical foul after being called for his sixth foul in the game’s waning seconds.
Minnesota Timberwolves Big Man Suggests Sports Betting Is Influencing NBA Referees’ Decisions
With 27.1 seconds left and Minnesota up 97-96, Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards missed a 17-foot jumper as the shot clock was winding down as the ball came off the rim, Gobert was whistled for a pushing foul while battling Jarrett Allen for the rebound by Scott Foster. While the call disqualified Gobert from the game, the Wolves still weren’t in the penalty so that the Cavs would have inbounded the ball underneath their own basket.
However, following the foul call by Scott Foster, Gobert flashed the money sign with both hands — like he was Johnny Manziel in the end zone, according to The Athletic— indicating that Foster was on the take.
While Fisher didn’t see the gesture, Natalie Sago did, and she nailed him with a T. Cavs point guard Darius Garland subsequently hit the one-shot technical free throw to tie the game, which was the final point of regulation.
Gobert Continues With The Conspiracy Theory Following Game
Gobert explained his actions that got him hit with the technical foul and continued his conspiracy theory.
“My reaction, which I think is truth — it’s what I truly believe — even if it’s the truth, it wasn’t the time for me to react that way,” “I should have not done that. I cost my team the game, and obviously, they couldn’t wait to give me a tech. That was bad. That was an immature reaction.”
“I made some mistakes. I airballed a dunk. Mistakes happen. Referees make mistakes, too. But sometimes I think it’s more than mistakes. I think everyone that’s in this league knows. I think it’s got to get better.”
“I think [sports betting] is hurting our game.”
With Minnesota’s loss last night, the Timberwolves (44-20) fall one-half game behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the top spot in the Western Conference. The Wolves, who are without Karl-Anthony Towns for the next month, are 6-4 in their last 10 and 1-4 in overtime affairs this season.
Gobert’s Comments and Actions Are Ridiculous
Again, Gobert’s actions were ridiculous following the foul call, and he absolutely deserved to be hit with the technical. And his comments were even more troubling and unfounded. Of course, Gobert didn’t offer any proof, just his opinion.
Besides, T-Wolves assistant coach Micah Nori, who took over head coaching duties for an ill Chris Finch last night, had no problem with the officiating. Nori was more unhappy with Gobert than anything.
“I thought the game was called pretty much the same way, both ways — I think both teams were a little bit frustrated, but that’s basketball.
“A technical foul with 27 seconds in the game, to be honest, is unacceptable. That’s who Rudy is, but you’ve got to be smart. He made a visual that was automatic.
Yes, everyone knows the Tim Donaghy story. But that was 17 years ago and a solo act. Plus, today’s NBA officials know the repercussions of something like that for them and the league.
At least he knows a fine is coming, as he said he expects to hear from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. A short suspension may also be deserved.
Here is the thing about Gobert. He is not without controversy himself. He even called himself “the bad guy” while talking to reporters after the game.
Gobert has made critical remarks several times throughout his career, including following a Minnesota loss to Phoenix last March.
“I’ve been in this league for 10 years and I try to always give the benefit of the doubt, but it’s hard for me to think they’re not trying to help (the Suns) win tonight. It’s hard for me to think they didn’t try to help the [Golden State] Warriors win the other night or (the) Sacramento Kings the other night.
Just a note: the Timberwolves defeated the Warriors and Kings in both games Gobert referenced.
Gobert’s History
Gobert is also known for being a nasty player. Gobert has been whistled for 72 technical fouls, ejected five times, and charged with 12 flagrant fouls, including last night when he elbowed Allen in the ribs on a post move.
While Gobert has been suspended just one game by the league, he has racked up over $560,000 in fines (not including the upcoming fine for his postgame comments). He was involved in a fight with the Warriors earlier this year, punched Kyle Anderson during a game last season, and physically contacted an NBA official during a game in 2017.
Gobert also contacted COVID-19 as he touched all the microphones on the podium following a Utah Jazz team shoot around back in 2020 to mock the disease.
