The NBA’s Most Unusual Fines
The NBA has seen its fair share of big-money penalties over the years, but not all of them came from technical fouls or on-court fights. Some were handed down for reasons so unusual that they’ve become part of league folklore. From a $25,000 fine for laughing to players losing thousands over offhand remarks, here are five of the weirdest fines in NBA history.
1. Tim Duncan — $25,000 for Laughing on the Bench (2007)
During a game against the Dallas Mavericks, Spurs forward Tim Duncan was ejected after referee Joey Crawford believed Duncan was laughing at him from the bench. Duncan insisted he wasn’t mocking anyone, but the league still fined him $25,000 for “verbal abuse of an official.” The incident shocked fans, as Duncan was known for being one of the most composed players in the NBA.
2. Tyrus Thomas — $10,000 for “Free Money” Comment (2007)
Before participating in the 2007 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, then-Chicago Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas told reporters he was only entering for the “free money” and wasn’t excited about the competition. The league didn’t appreciate the comment and fined him $10,000 for “disparaging the event.” To make matters worse, Thomas finished last in the contest and earned less than his fine.
3. Mark Cuban — Over $500,000 for Criticizing Officials (2002)
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has been fined multiple times for his public criticism of referees, but his 2002 penalty of $500,000 stands out as the largest single fine ever for a team owner. Cuban said after a loss to the Spurs that referee Ed Rush “couldn’t manage a Dairy Queen,” a remark that instantly went viral. Cuban later took a job at a Dairy Queen for a day as a publicity stunt.
4. Jeff Van Gundy — $100,000 for Referee Bias Claim (2005)
While coaching the Houston Rockets, Jeff Van Gundy claimed that referees were targeting center Yao Ming after receiving complaints from another coach. The NBA fined him $100,000 for making accusations without evidence. The penalty remains the largest fine ever issued to a coach in league history.
5. Dennis Rodman — $50,000 for Offensive Comment (1997)
During the 1997 NBA Finals, Dennis Rodman was fined $50,000 after making an offensive remark about Mormons while speaking to reporters in Salt Lake City. The comment sparked widespread backlash, and the league responded with one of the largest player fines of the era. Rodman later apologized, but the incident added to his long list of controversies.