Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks
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Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd made waves recently when he didn’t hold back from ripping into NBA officials and using strong language during a post-game press conference.
After losing to the Houston Rockets on Saturday night, Kidd has quite a bit to say to the media. He was unhappy with how the officials called the game and was even more unhappy about criticism he has received for how he is using rookie star Cooper Flagg.
When talking about the loss to the Rockets, as shared by Grant Afseth of Dallas Hoops Journal, Kidd delivered strong remarks about the referees.
“I saw a foul,” Kidd said. “Sean (Wright), Simone (Jelks) and Jason (Goldberg) were awful tonight. It’s unacceptable. It’s a foul and he needs to be at the free-throw line. Does he make both? That’s up to the player.”
Kidd continued forward, offering more honest thoughts about a late-game missed call.
“We fight. We’re going to play, not complain,” Kidd said. “But at some point, it’s gotta be a review. He drives the ball. He gets slapped. It’s a foul. If it was the other way, it would be a foul. Just being consistent — and tonight the referees were not consistent.”
Jason Kidd Also Went Off About Coaching Criticism
Throughout the season, Kidd has utilized Flagg as a point guard. He has been met with some criticism for that decision.
“I don’t give a (expletive) about the criticism,” Kidd said. “That’s your opinion. You guys write that (expletive). I’ve done this. I’ve played this game. I’ve played it at a very high level, and I know what the (expletive) I’m doing.”
He didn’t stop there, continuing on with his outburst.
“I don’t give a (expletive) what you guys write because you guys have never played the game. I have built players, so I know what the (expletive) I’m doing. To take criticism, it only makes me better, because if I wasn’t doing it right, you guys wouldn’t be poking holes at what I’ve done.”
NBA Has Handed Down Punishment to Dallas Mavericks Head Coach
Due to Kidd’s remarks on officiating and the profanity that he used in his press conference, the NBA has stepped in and handed down punishment to him.
According to a report from Afseth, the league has decided to fine Kidd $35,000.
“Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has been fined $35,000 for public criticism of the officiating and using profane language during a media interview,” Afseth wrote on X. “Kidd made his comments postgame following the Mavericks’ 111-107 loss to the Houston Rockets on Jan. 31 at Toyota Center.”
So far this season, the Mavericks have gone 19-30. With the NBA trade deadline coming up on February 5, Dallas is a team to keep a close eye on. Anthony Davis has been talked about in the rumor mill a lot, as has Naji Marshall.
Next up for the Mavericks and Kidd will be a Tuesday night matchup at home against the Boston Celtics.