Lionel Hollins Fined $25K For Criticizing Refs

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins was fined $25K for making harsh comments on the NBA refs during this week. The comments came after the 102-83 loss to the Orlando Magic, mostly regarding on Hasheem Thabeet’s time vs. Dwight Howard.

Larry Brown, the Charlotte Bobcats head coach, was slapped with a $60K fine after having a scuffle with the referees as well. Before the game against the Atlanta Hawks, Hollins said his comments were sarcastic.

"It was not even directed at the officials," Hollins said. "But, I was quoted, and I have to pay the consequences."

Hollins said he was criticizing because of the poor play of Memphis during their game against Orlando.

"I’ve never had any issues with officiating," Hollins said. "I didn’t have any issues in this particular game with officiating. We were down 20 points at the end of the game. I had some issues with some of our players and their efforts at times, and their execution."

Says Hollins on the fine, in a chuckle:

"It hurts. I don’t like to lose money at all. I hope they take it in installments."

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