NBA head coach Rick Carlisle has been penalized for his comments regarding the officiating in the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks.
The NBA has imposed a $35,000 fine on Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle for his criticism of the officiating in the first two games of the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks. The league cited Carlisle's "public criticism of the officiating and questioning the integrity of the league and its officials" as the reason for the discipline.
Carlisle's comments came after the Pacers' 130-121 loss to the Knicks in Game 2, in which he was ejected from the game after receiving two technical fouls. He expressed frustration with the officiating, claiming that the Pacers were not receiving a fair shot and that their physicality was being penalized while the Knicks' was rewarded.
"I’m always talking to our guys about not making it about the officials," Carlisle said after the game. "We deserve a fair shot. There’s not a consistent balance, and that’s disappointing. Give New York credit for the physicality that they’re playing with. But their physicality is rewarded and ours is penalized, time after time."
Carlisle added, "Small-market teams deserve an equal shot. They deserve a fair shot no matter where they are playing."
The Pacers have reportedly sent 78 plays to the NBA for review, highlighting their concerns with the officiating. The league has already acknowledged an incorrect call in Game 1, where the Pacers were incorrectly called for a kicked ball violation.
The Pacers have been vocal about their frustrations with the officiating throughout the series. In Game 1, they were called for 24 fouls compared to just 11 for the Knicks. The disparity in free throw attempts was also significant, with the Knicks attempting 30 free throws to the Pacers' 12.
Carlisle's comments and the Pacers' actions have brought the issue of officiating into the spotlight. The NBA has a history of penalizing coaches for criticizing officials, but the severity of this fine indicates the league's displeasure with Carlisle's remarks.
The series now shifts to Indiana for Game 3 on Saturday. It remains to be seen whether the officiating will continue to be a contentious issue as the Pacers attempt to turn the series around.
