Gobert will definitely receive a large fine for his remarks. Even though Rudy Gobert acknowledges that his ill-timed comments on the court cost the Timberwolves a victory on Friday night in Cleveland, he isn’t backing down from his suspicion that sports betting may have an impact on NBA referees.
What took place? Gobert was called for a sixth foul with 27.8 seconds remaining in the game, and he was also given a technical foul for waving money signs at the officials. In order to force overtime, Darius Garland used the technology to make a free shot that tied the game at 97-97. The Cavaliers dominated the extra session, winning 113-104.
Listen it was dumb, but Rudy Gobert getting a T for making the money gesture is hilarious pic.twitter.com/tHuff6CxZa
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) March 9, 2024
Rudy Gobert talks about sports betting influencing reffs
Gobert admitted,
“Yeah, of course it’s frustrating. Then obviously my reaction, which I think is the truth – I truly believe – and even if it is the truth, I think it wasn’t the time for me to react that way. I should have not done that. Cost my team the game. And obviously, they can’t wait to give me a tech. So yeah, that was a bad, that was an immature reaction from me,”Â
How about wagering on sports? Gobert clarified:
“Mistakes happen. Referees make mistakes, too. Sometimes I think it’s more than mistakes. And I’m gonna stay at that,” “I think everyone that’s in this league knows. And I think it’s got to get better. I’ll bite the bullet again. I’ll be the bad guy again that speaks what I think is the truth. And hopefully the league, I mean they’re probably gonna fine me, and once again I’ll take the fine, but I think it’s hurting our game. I know the betting and all that is becoming bigger and bigger, but it shouldn’t feel that way. And I give all my respect to the other team, to Cleveland. They played a hell of a game, too. But just let the players decide the game.”
In all, Minnesota received 25 foul calls as opposed to Cleveland’s 20. However, the Cavs made 36 free throws compared to the Wolves’ 22. Later in the game, Timberwolves radio host Alan Horton brought attention to the disparity by pointing out that the Cavaliers tried eight free throws in the first thirty minutes and then crossed the line 28 times in the last twenty-three minutes of play.
With the loss, the Wolves‘ record plummeted to 44-20, one half-game behind Oklahoma City’s (44-19) lead in the Western Conference.
Prior to playing the Lakers in Los Angeles on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. in a game that will be nationally televised on ESPN, Minnesota has Saturday off.
