Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers was fined $25,000 for public criticism of officiating, NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Stu Jackson announced on Thursday. Rivers was outspoken during his press conference of two fouls called on center Kevin Garnett in an 18-second span early in the first quarter in the team's Game 2 loss to the Knicks on Tuesday.
"I thought the fouls on Kevin were horrendous and had a huge effect on us," Rivers said during the press conference. Rivers was aware that his comments may be taken as criticism, hinting during a conference call on Wednesday that his words might have raised the league's attention.
"I didn't think I said much and that could be a problem," Rivers said. "Because all I basically said was, Kevin getting into foul trouble had a huge impact on the game. That's not criticizing officials."
Rivers signed a five-year, $35 million contract extension with the Celtics after the 2010-11 season. Garnett was fined $25,000 earlier this season for his role in a dust-up with the Brooklyn Nets, while Chris Wilcox earned a $25,000 for an obscene gesture on the JumboTron during a game against the 76ers.
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