Anthony Edwards fined $50K for ’obscene gesture’ during loss to Grizzlies
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 19: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts to a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets in Game Seven of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 19, 202 (Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Anthony Edwards wears his emotions on his sleeve, and it’s affecting his wallet.
The NBA announced Monday it has fined Edwards $50,000 for "making obscene gestures toward a game official" during the Timberwolves’ 127-125 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. Edwards was on the bench when Mike Conley Jr. fed Rudy Gobert for a 1-handed alley oop dunk.
Edwards flexed, then was assessed a technical foul. Not long after, he looked at the official and gave them the middle finger not once, but twice. The official did not see the gesture, otherwise it would’ve been an immediate ejection for Edwards.
A troubling trend
Why it matters: Edwards is now up to $285,000 in fines due to his behavior. That’s ranged from publicly swearing in postgame interviews in the locker room with reporters, or criticizing officiating.
He was fined $100,000 last month for using profanity during a live interview. He was docked $75,000 for commenting on officiating, $25,000 for foul language in locker room interviews and in November, was fined $35,000 for an obscene gesture on the court.
The upcoming schedule
What we know: The Timberwolves are at Washington Monday night before hosting Golden State Wednesday, going back on the road to face the New York Knicks Friday and hosting Cleveland on Saturday. The Timberwolves are 20-18 and in eighth in the Western Conference as we near the halfway point of the regular season.