The NBA has announced that it has fined Zach Collins $35,000 for making obscene gestures at an official after receiving a technical foul in the San Antonio Spurs' recent loss to the Sacramento Kings. Collins had wrapped up Kings' center Domantas Sabonis while playing defense in the second quarter and was called for a technical, and while he was walking back to the bench he raised his middle finger at the official in a pretty clear gesture (video below).
The NBA donates a portion of every fine to various charitable groups, including Habitat for Humanity and the Boys & Girls Club, so Collins' willingness to put some money on the line has been embraced as generous.
Collins got the start in the game against the Kings in the wake of Victor Wembanyama missing two straight games with a back injury. In the first game he missed the Spurs started Jeremy Sochan at center, but took a more traditional route with Collins.
He ultimately scored two points in just nine minutes but gave Spurs' fans a meme that will certainly get some miles.
Acting head coach Mitch Johnson told reporters that he "didn't see what was said" between Collins and the officials, but it seemed like a routine argument until Collins flipped The Bird, which the camera quickly pulled away from while Devin Vassell and Sochan laughed at the exchange.
Collins certainly knew a fine was coming his way, but as one fan pointed out, Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet was fined only $20,000 for calling referees a derogatory term after making it clear that he thought the officials "(bleeping) suck."
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This story was originally published December 8, 2024, 11:51 AM.