NBA imposes fines, but does not suspend Fred VanVleet for outburst

On November 26, 2024By Pranco

Rockets guard Fred VanVleet was fined $50,000 by the NBA for his criticism at the end of Saturday’s game, but he was not suspended.

No surprise, veteran Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet received extra discipline from the NBA after being ejected in the final seconds from Saturday’s home loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

As announced Monday by Joe Dumars, executive vice president and head of basketball operations: the league fined VanVleet $50,000 for his actions. He was not suspended.

VanVleet was ejected for “vulgar language and pointing fingers at all three officials,” a spokesperson said interview after the pool report with the crew chief on duty.

Although Houston was frustrated with the referee for much of Saturday’s game, things seemed to boil over after a no-call in the final 15 seconds. With the Rockets trailing by three and in possession of the ball, a driving VanVleet absorbed contact with his hip from Trail Blazers defenseman Toumani Camara as he threw a three-point attempt at the basket.

No whistle was blown and the Trail Blazers secured the loose ball, effectively ending the game. In the aftermath swimming pool report In an interview, crew chief Courtney Kirkland said a foul should have been called, but it would have been just a no-shooting foul for just two free throws — and not a three-shot foul that would have potentially tied the game.

“Most teams make three mistakes now,” VanVleet said of the last series, via Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. “So as they were driving around the pitch, listening to the whole team shouting a foul at the man on the ball (Camara), trying to take the foul. Was kind of expecting it. The referee told me he didn’t think there was much contact. Obviously I was trying to get some points on the board knowing they were going to make a mistake against three.”

VanVleet struggled mightily for the game as a whole, shooting just 4-of-13 overall (30.8%) and 0-of-6 on three-pointers. That may have contributed to his bad mood, especially when combined with the fact that Houston lost outright at home in a game they were in as favorite with 12.5 points.

“I think I’m in enough trouble already,” VanVleet said of his eviction, via the Houston Chronicle. ‘It’s probably not necessary to talk too much about the official leadership. I know the referees aren’t trying to be wrong, but we were quite at odds tonight.”

VanVleet and the Rockets (12-6) will try to make amends when they visit Minnesota (8-7) on Tuesday night. Houston can take first place in the Emirates NBA Cup 2024 group with a win.