Toronto Raptors Point Guard Fred VanVleet Fined for Criticizing NBA Official

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Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet was fined $30,000 by the NBA on Thursday, following his criticisms of official Ben Taylor after a 108-100 loss to the LA Clippers on Wednesday. The comments, made during a press conference, reflect VanVleet's frustration not only with the loss to the Clippers but also with the officiating in a previous defeat at the Denver Nuggets on Monday.

A Stinging Rebuke

In the press conference, VanVleet stated, "Speaking for a lot of guys, obviously I was frustrated, emotional. But there are a lot of people that feel that way. Hopefully going forward we see some change for the better, the betterment of the game.

It was a little emotional, a tough loss, things not going our way, got caught up in the moment a little bit." He went on to say, "You live and you learn and you move on. It came out authentic, it came out in real time. I wouldn't have done that if I felt like I had another option or outlet.

I felt like I've exhausted my options this season, many different occasions. It is just one of those things, I am human."

A Human Touch

VanVleet also acknowledged that his comments might have been unprofessional but justified his outburst, saying, "You will see me make mistakes in real time and make things that are not always perfect.

A little unprofessional for my standard, so it was unfortunate." These comments came after VanVleet picked up his eighth technical foul this season, three of which were from Taylor himself. In the heat of the moment, VanVleet vented his frustration, saying, "I don't mind, I'll take a fine.

I don't really care. I thought Ben Taylor was f---ing terrible tonight. I think that on most nights, you know out of the three [officials], there's one or two that just f--- the game up." Boston Celtics point guard Marcus Smart was asked about the officiating and referred reporters to VanVleet's comments, saying, "I don't know if you saw Fred VanVleet's interview.

That is all I am going to say. Obviously, it let's you know that I am not speaking out of my butt and I am not the only one that feels that way. I am going to let Fred do all the talking."