NBA Official: Kidd Fined $35,000 for Publicly Criticizing Referees and Using Offensive Language

On February 3rd Beijing time, the NBA declared that Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd was fined $35,000 for openly criticizing referees and using foul language during a media session.

Following the Mavericks’ defeat to the Rockets on the road, which marked their fourth straight loss, Kidd expressed strong emotions in the interview. He also sharply criticized the referees on duty. He was particularly upset about a call in the final 25 seconds of the game—when Flagg drove inside and missed a left-handed layup. Had a foul been called on that play, it could have tied the game and sent Flagg to the free-throw line.

“That was clearly a foul,” Kidd said. “Sean (Wright), Simona (Jacks), and Jason (Gordonberg) officiated terribly tonight; they were completely incompetent. It was a foul, and the player should have gotten free throws. Whether he makes both shots is up to him, but the referees failed to do their job, and their call was outrageous.”

During the interview, Kidd also responded harshly to criticism about his decision to use Flagg as the team’s primary ball-handler.

“I don’t care about those criticisms at all,” Kidd stated. “Criticism is just your subjective opinion, full of nonsense. I have been deeply involved in basketball for years, played at the highest level, and I know exactly what I’m doing.” Flagg has performed impressively in the last two games, scoring 49 points with 10 rebounds and 34 points with 12 rebounds and 5 assists, respectively.

“I couldn’t care less about what you write,” Kidd further told reporters, “because none of you have ever played professional basketball. I have developed many players personally, and I know what I’m doing. Criticism from outside only motivates me to improve. If my coaching approach were completely wrong, you wouldn’t even have a basis to question my decisions.”