Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves fouled out of Friday night’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers and he wasn’t happy about it.
After the game, he told the press that he believes the referees’ calls may have been influenced by betting.
“I think it’s hurting our game. I know the betting and all that is becoming bigger and bigger, but it shouldn’t feel that way,” Gobert said, via Legion Hoops.
Gobert’s shocking statement caught the attention of many fans, and it’ll definitely catch the attention of league officials too.
Rudy Gobert suggests sports betting has influenced the NBA referees:
“I think it’s hurting our game. I know the betting and all that is becoming bigger and bigger, but it shouldn’t feel that way.”
(via @JonKrawczynski, @joevardon) pic.twitter.com/E2dntYnZ4O
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 9, 2024
Some people online agreed with Gobert, saying that he was speaking the truth and that refs are making money on betting.
That would mean they are making calls in order to help their pocketbooks, which would obviously be a huge violation.
Rudy’s cooking
— ɪᴍ.ʀɪʟᴇʏ シ ✞ ☘️ (@CookedByRiley0) March 9, 2024
Others said that the league’s partnership with betting site FanDuel is too much and shouldn’t be allowed.
Lowkey, nba shouldnt be allowed to partner with fanduel
— Band Man Mir 💰 (@Supersaiyanmir) March 9, 2024
Then there were other fans who felt Gobert’s claim was silly and only being made because the calls were leveled against him.
It might be true but Of course, he would only say this when the call goes against him. Such a child.
— SC90210 (@goCDSDS) March 9, 2024
Finally, plenty of people pointed out that Gobert is probably going to receive a massive fine from the league for publicly speaking like this.
He’s not wrong, but Rudy is about to get a legendary fine.
— Rare😴 (@RealADAJ3) March 9, 2024
He's about to get himself in trouble . I don't know the rules/consequences but speaking public like that about the referee.
— üstün (@thunder_teams) March 9, 2024
That last point is very true because the NBA is going to charge Gobert an awful lot soon.
The league has strict rules about what players can and can’t say and criticizing referees is a big violation of them.
Not only did he criticize officials, but he also accused them of influencing games in order to earn money, which is obviously a huge and shocking claim.
Gobert spoke his mind on Friday night and some people agree with his opinion, but it’ll definitely cost him.
NEXT: Rudy Gobert Makes Strong Accusation Against NBA Referees