Famous troublemaker Rudy Gobert angered another group of people on Friday night. While receiving a technical foul isn’t usually newsworthy, it’s the reason behind the Frenchman’s technical that’s intriguing. In the final moments of the Cleveland-Minnesota game, with his team leading by one point, the Timberwolves center committed his sixth foul. As he exited the court, he made the money sign gesture to the referees, reminiscent of Johnny Manziel.
Darius Garland made the free throw, sending the game into overtime where the T-Wolves were defeated 113-104 after being outscored 16-7. This was the second game of a back-to-back for Gobert’s already understaffed team. He later admitted his mistake, acknowledging that his gesture was inappropriate.
“My response, which I believe is truthful – even if it’s the truth, was not the appropriate way to react at that moment,” Gobert stated afterwards. “I should not have done that. I cost my team the game, and it was immature. I deserved the technical. That was bad.”
When asked to elaborate, the 11-year center mentioned the impact of sports betting in the US.
“I will take responsibility again,” Gobert added. “I’ll face the consequences, but I believe it’s detrimental to our sport. The influence of betting is growing, but it shouldn’t feel that way.”
“I made errors. I missed a dunk. Mistakes happen. Referees make mistakes too. But sometimes, it seems like more than just mistakes. I believe everyone in this league knows that. It needs to improve.”
It’s likely that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will fine Gobert, given the league’s past experiences with referees like Tim Donaghy. The issue of game-fixing scandals resurfaced recently, with a team employee embezzling $22 million from the Jacksonville Jaguars to feed a gambling addiction.
There needs to be increased oversight by sports organizations to prevent such incidents. With the rise of sports betting apps, it’s easier to track unusual financial activities. Leagues and franchises should be aware of employees with significant gambling debts and take appropriate action.
The legalization of sports betting has led to a rise in irresponsible behavior among coaches, players, and gambling addicts. While another Donaghy-like situation hasn’t occurred, the concerns raised by Gobert are valid.
