Cleveland Cavaliers player Ty Jerome has been fined $25,000 by the NBA following public criticism of officiating during a recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The intense matchup, which ended in a 133-129 victory for the Cavaliers in overtime, saw a staggering 53 fouls and 70 free throws, significantly disrupting the game's flow. Jerome expressed his frustration after the game, particularly targeting referee Natalie Sago with his remarks.
The Cavaliers' coach, Kenny Atkinson, acknowledged the impact of constant whistles on the game's rhythm. The average NBA game typically features fewer than 40 fouls called, making the number in this contest notably high. Jerome's comments focused on the negative influence that the officiating had on the game.
"I thought the refs were really bad tonight, especially Natalie (Sago), she was really bad."
Ty Jerome
Despite his discontent with the officiating, Jerome delivered an impressive performance on the court. He finished with 25 points, six assists, and a career-high six steals, contributing significantly to his team's triumph over the Trail Blazers. However, his post-game remarks emphasized his dissatisfaction with how the game was managed.
The third quarter of the game was particularly contentious, described by many as "horrendous" due to the high frequency of fouls and interruptions. Jerome's public critique of the referees, especially singling out Sago, led to the financial penalty imposed by the NBA. His comments were not only critical but also widely publicized, drawing attention to his grievances.
Jerome acknowledged the need to stay composed despite his frustrations with the officiating.
"You just got to keep your head and keep playing."
Ty Jerome
Leave a Reply