Paul George will have to place $35,000 in the swear jar after cursing during a live interview in the midst of an anti-ref screed Friday night.
“The stripes was terrible,” George told the Pacers’ local TV station, Fox Sports Indiana following a 104-97 win over the Nets. “We had go out and just play. The way this game was going and how they was calling it, we had to play. … It’s frustrating. Hopefully the league does a better job of looking at s— like this.”
An interview like this will definitely end up with you writing a check to NBA charities. Paul George was fined $35K https://t.co/y0KFlixvtU
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) December 19, 2015
Part of George’s frustration Friday could have come from his on-court performance. The two-time All-Star — who is averaging a career-high 26.1 points per game — scored 23 points against the Nets but also committed seven turnovers.
Pacers coach Frank Vogel received a technical foul during the game while protesting to referees on George’s behalf, and according to the Indianapolis Star, the forward was complaining all game.
Throughout Friday’s game, George either stared down or shouted at the referees when he felt he deserved to go to the free throw line on missed shots in the paint. He did not record a technical foul – he leads the league with six – but coach Frank Vogel did, basically on his behalf.
Even after cursing at the referees on television, George was still upset at a perception he believes that the referees have against him when he drives to the basket.
“It’s frustrating when the guys I’m matched up with have less fouls than I do and they’re not attacking as much as I’m attacking,” George said. “It’s very frustrating and it’s been going on for a long time.”
George was fined $25,000 for criticizing refs following a playoff game against the Heat in May 2014. He was docked $10,000 for the same offense that October. But hey, if he wants to keep opening his mouth, that’s his prerogative, as long as he’s willing to keep opening his wallet as well.
[ESPN]
