Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet has been fined $50,000 for his misconduct during their 104-98 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on November 23, Afrosport reports.
VanVleet has been punished for confronting and directing profane language toward the officiating staff during the last 10 seconds of the matchup at the Toyota Center in Houston, Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations, announced on Monday.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/iCldye6S8c
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 25, 2024
The 30-year-old addressed each of the officials, using offensive language following his ejection towards the end of the game.
While trying to make a shot to even the game at 101, VanVleet thought he was fouled, but he got no help from the officials. However, the officials called him for an offensive foul during the next Rockets’ possession, marking his fifth personal foul of the game.
“I think I’m in enough trouble as it is tonight, so I probably don’t need to discuss too much officiating with you guys,” VanVleet told The Athletic after the game. “Heat of the moment, you always feel right — I know the refs aren’t trying to be wrong, but we disagreed quite a bit tonight.”
His latest sanction follows the $30,000 fine he received in March 2023 for a post-game rant, filled with foul words against officials during his time with the Toronto Raptors.
VanVleet finished the game against Portland with eight points, five rebounds, and five assists for the 12-6 Rockets.
