Anthony Edwards is making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Minnesota Timberwolves star found himself in hot water yet again for his colorful language during media appearances. The NBA recently slapped him with a $100,000 fine for inappropriate language during his on-court interview in Houston.
This penalty was announced by Joe Dumars, the league’s Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations. And with that, it seems like the NBA is serious about cleaning up its image.
During a celebratory moment following a jaw-dropping buzzer-beater against the Houston Rockets on December 27, Edwards let loose. He put out a string of expletives that quickly became the talk of the town.
But what did he say?
“All I knew was, the play was for Ju to go 14… Once he picked it up, sh*t, who else? I gotta go get it. Sh*t… Sh*t, I’m going for the win. Like Gilbert Arenas said, I don’t do overtime, so f**k it!” Edwards said during the said interview.
This incident follows a previous $75,000 penalty for a similar offense just weeks prior. This isn’t an isolated incident, either. The NBA has recently ramped up its efforts to hold players accountable for their words. LaMelo Ball was fined just weeks earlier for making homophobic comments.
We all know Edwards for his lively personality and charismatic playstyle, but this fine could serve as a wake-up call. And at a time when the league is clearly in a no-joke mode, it would be better if the star guard keeps himself away from such incidents. However, the NBA’s decision to penalize ANT is not sitting well with Edwards’ fans. They are ripping the officials off for their decision.
Anthony Edwards’ Fans Slams NBA Officials Over Massive Fine
While the authority to sanction a player for his actions is ultimately in the NBA officials’ hands, social media fans know no boundaries. If they think a decision is not justifiable based on their views, they will go after it. That is exactly what happened in Anthony Edwards’ case.
“Yall fined a player 100k for making him do an interview 40 seconds after the game ended where he made a game winning shot and his energy is still high and that’s how he talks everyday? Y’all got problems,” a fan made his point.
“Yall literally posted videos on your official nba page but you fining the man 6 figures??” another fan commented
“THIS is why your ratings are down,” a user quipped.
“Then remove the video from your social channels since it’s such a problem,” a fan suggested.
“WhY iS ViEwErShIp DoWn.” Because the league treats these grown men like kids. Can’t say anything or show emotion in interviews. Can’t taunt or flex or stare down after a dunk or block…. Professional sports is entertainment, let them entertain us,” another user wrote.
While most of the comments resonate with Edwards’ emotions and calling out the league, the picture is different. The NBA is navigating an unsettling tide. The ratings are down, rules are changing, fans are shouting for every inch, and the on-court drama is known to all. Like every other transformative change, the league will also have to go through all of it.
