The NBA has fined Dallas Mavericks owner and billionaire Mark Cuban $500,000 for his public remarks against officials after he protested a loss against the Atlanta Hawks last month.
Yahoo! News reports NBA commissioner Adam Silver opposed Mark Cuban’s protest against a loss to the Atlanta Hawks along with slapping a hefty fine. A statement was released by the league saying Cuban created an “intimidating workplace environment” due to his commentary:
RELATED STORIES: NBA Drug Tests Bradley Beal After Back-To-Back 50-Pt Games
“It is a recognized part of sports for fans and the media at times to criticize officiating, but team executives must be held to a higher standard. “A team owner’s effort to influence refereeing decisions during and after a game creates the perception of an unfair competitive advantage and thereby undermines the integrity of the game. Demeaning league employees also create an intimidating workplace environment. With an increased focus on respectful conduct by coaches, players and fans during games, the actions of team executives should set an example and not lower expectations for appropriate behavior in our arenas.”
RELATED STORIES: NBA Renames All-Star Game MVP Award After Kobe Bryant!
The Feb.22 game against the Atlanta Hawks caused Cuban to criticize the referee’s judgment when 8.4 seconds remained in the fourth quarter. Mavericks player Dorian Finney-Smith blocked Atlanta Hawks Trae Young’s layup and the call was reversed after officials whistled him for a goaltend.
Cuban went to Twitter to express his frustration, leading up to the expensive fine.
“Just when you think the NBA officiating can’t get any worse , guess again. This is absurd. Crews have bad games. But this isn’t a single game issue. This is the same s— that has been going on for 20 years. Hire former refs who think they know how to hire, train and manage. Realize two years later they can’t. Repeat. In the past 12 years it’s been Ronnie Nunn, Don Vaden, Bob Delaney, and now Monty McCutchen. What do they all have in common? You know the definition of insanity?”