The NBA has fined Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards $100,000 for using foul language in a postgame interview. The event happened on Friday following the Timberwolves’ tight victory over the Houston Rockets, 113–112, which was won thanks to a courageous 3-pointer by Edwards in the closing 30 seconds of play.
Anthony Edwards’ Postgame Comments
Edwards repeatedly used foul language in his frank description of the game-winning play during the postgame interview:
“The play was for [Julius Randle] to go 14 — big-small pick and roll,” Edwards explained. “Who else would pick it up after him? I must go get it. S—. I was interrupted when Nickeil [Alexander-Walker] discovered me. ‘S—, I’m going for the victory,’ I think. I don’t work overtime, like Gilbert Arenas stated, so screw it.”
Pattern of Fines for Profane Language
In less than a week, Edwards has received two fines totalling $100,000. After a loss to the Golden State Warriors on December 23, he was fined $75,000 for making disparaging remarks about officials in another postgame interview. Edwards criticised the officials’ lack of patience, saying:
They are f—— awful. Except for the woman, all of them. The other two guys, however, were awful. Justifications for not calling a foul are the explanations for their actions. It was a horrible s—. They want to talk back to me, not to my coach. The referee gave me a tech after I said one thing to him.
NBA Statement on the Fine
The NBA made it clear that Edwards’ history of using foul language in public settings had an impact on his penalty. “The fine amount is based in part on Edwards’ history of using profane language during media interviews,” the league clarified in their statement.
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A History of Outbursts
This season, Edwards has received several fines for his direct yet honest remarks. He blasted the team’s offensive difficulties head-on following a defeat to the New York Knicks earlier this seaSon: “There is no s— on offence. We are not without identity. All we know is that I will shoot a lot of shots and that Julius Randle will shoot a lot of shots.
In November, Edwards also received a $35,000 punishment for shouting at someone else during a game. After this most recent punishment, Edwards’ season-long fines—which do not include the usual $2,000 charge for technical fouls—now total $210,000.
Balancing Honesty and Professionalism
The NBA has made it clear that such statements must be made in a courteous and professional manner, even though Edwards is well-known for being honest and passionate when speaking to the media. Fans may enjoy his colourful postgame interviews, but they have cost him a lot of money.
Why was Anthony Edwards fined $100,000?
Following a victory over the Houston Rockets, he used foul language in a postgame interview and was fined for it.
How many times has Anthony Edwards been fined this season?
He has received fines reaching $210,000 this season, including $75,000 for criticising officials, $35,000 for rejecting a supporter, and $100,000 for making offensive statements.
Has Edwards faced criticism for his comments?
Yes, the NBA has punished him for the unprofessional tone of his comments, even if fans value his candour.
What is the NBA’s stance on player conduct during media interviews?
During interviews, NBA players are expected to act professionally and avoid using foul language.