Ken Blaze/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert reacts after fouling out against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
CNN
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Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert was given a costly technical foul in the team's game Friday night after he appeared to make a gesture demanding money from a referee after a controversial call.
With less than 30 seconds left in the game between the Timberwolves and Cleveland Cavaliers, and with his team leading by just one point, Gobert was called for his sixth foul and was ejected.
In the aftermath of a dispute between Gobert and his teammates over the offensive foul, the incredulous Frenchman was caught on camera rubbing his thumb and forefinger together, a move often associated with money. Ta.
The gesture appeared to be directed at referee Scott Foster, who called the foul. Foster then missed it, but his fellow official Natalie Sago saw what Gobert was doing and gave Gobert a technical foul.
As a result, the Cavaliers were given a free throw for a technical foul, which Darius Garland made to tie the game and send the game into overtime. The Timberwolves lost 113-104 in overtime.
After the game, Gobert admitted his response was a mistake and said his “immature response” cost his team the game.
But he also suggested that sports betting is having an impact on how the NBA operates its games.
“I'll try again,” Gobert said, according to ESPN. “I'll be the bad guy. I'll pay the fine, but I think it's going to have a negative effect on our game. I know the stakes and everything is getting bigger and bigger, but it shouldn't feel that way. ”
CNN has reached out to the NBA and National Basketball Referees Association for comment.
Gobert said the host was not feeling well the entire evening.
“It's not just one phone call,” the 31-year-old said. “Everyone makes mistakes, and of course it's frustrating when they happen over and over again.”
Gobert had seven points, 17 rebounds and two blocked shots in 37 minutes.
“Honestly, a technical foul 27 seconds into the game is unacceptable,” said Minnesota assistant coach Mika Nori, who was filling in for head coach Chris Finch due to illness. “Rudy is not that kind of person, but he has to be smart.…He created a visual for us. [an] automatic [technical]”
