Imago
March 8, 2023, Los Angeles, California, USA: Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet C drives between Los Angeles Clippers forward Mason Plemlee L an dLos Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum R during an NBA, Basketball Herren, USA basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Tuesday, March 8, 2023. Los Angeles USA – ZUMAc68_ 20230308_zaf_c68_018 Copyright: xRingoxChiux
Imago
March 8, 2023, Los Angeles, California, USA: Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet C drives between Los Angeles Clippers forward Mason Plemlee L an dLos Angeles Clippers forward Nicolas Batum R during an NBA, Basketball Herren, USA basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles Tuesday, March 8, 2023. Los Angeles USA – ZUMAc68_ 20230308_zaf_c68_018 Copyright: xRingoxChiux
The current NBA season has seen many NBA superstars call out the referees on various occasions. Some stars have let their frustration known on social media but then deleted the post to avoid any action from the league. However, that was definitely not the case with Toronto Raptors superstar Fred VanVleet. The 2019 NBA champion was disappointed with the officiating in the latest 108-100 loss against the Los Angeles Clippers and also about the previous game against the Denver Nuggets.
So VanVleet did not hold back during the press conference and ripped the referees apart in front of the world. Furthermore, he noted that he is not worried about being fined for his words.
Watch What’s Trending Now!
Fred VanVleet rips apart the officiating
Fred VanVleet is a very integral part of the Toronto Raptors and is a leader for the team as well. The point guard is annoyed with the officiating in the last two games. He was so frustrated that he singled out a referee and used obscene language in his rant. According to a report from ESPN, VanVleet said, “I thought Ben Taylor was f—ing terrible tonight. I think that on most nights, you know out of the three [officials], there’s one or two that just f— the game up. It’s been like that a couple of games in a row.”
FVV didn’t hold back 😳 pic.twitter.com/eGKOzJKh0v
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) March 9, 2023
He then vented his irritation about his technical call and said that it completely changed the flow of the game. The 2022 NBA All-Star noted that a lot of referees work hard and are fair. However, he is not happy with the others. He added, “And then you got the other ones who just want to be d—s and just kind of f— the game up. And no one’s coming to see that s—. They come to see the players.”
VanVleet has received eight technical fouls this season so far. Interestingly, three of the eight were called by Ben Taylor. The point guard also stated that the calls feel “personal” and added it is not a good feeling.
NBA fans loved VanVleet calling out the referees
Fred VanVleet made it clear that he is not worried about the NBA punishing him for his statement during the press conference. The fans were completely shocked by VanVleet’s rant and flooded the comments section. Here are some reactions:
LMAOOOOO he might get fined a million dollars by the NBA but he Spittin real talk 💯💯 pic.twitter.com/OlrLMJh2vV
— NetsKingdom 👑🗽 (@NetsKingdomAJ) March 9, 2023
Adam silver counting the fines from this interview alone pic.twitter.com/WyWwBDvnVN
— Confused Houston Fan 🙃😕😐 (@Snyphe) March 9, 2023
This is fantastic! No filter, and says what others won’t, referees take over way too many games. Respect
— Tommy Hart (@ThomasJHart) March 9, 2023
FINALLY SOMEONE THAT ISNT AFRAID TO SPEAK UP. THESE REFS NEED TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE
— ❆ (@TraesMuse) March 9, 2023
That “I’ll take a fine, I don’t really care” attitude needs to rub off on a few more guys and maybe we’d actually see some change from the refs. Good on him. It’s a start.
— Tony (@antforthreeeeee) March 9, 2023
Adam Silver bouta get give the meanest fine of the season 😭
— Old NBA Tweets (@oldnbatweetz) March 9, 2023
That fine gonna be generational 😭
— Gee (@geraldbuncum) March 9, 2023
Most fans thought the Toronto Raptors star would have to pay a hefty price for his statement. On the other hand, many fans loved VanVleet calling out the referees and speaking his mind.
WATCH THIS STORY – The uncanny resemblance between Michael Jordan and Kawhi Leonard’s plays
A lot of fans commented that more players should come forward and speak openly about the bad officiating in the league. It looks like the fans are as frustrated as the players when it comes to the referees.
What do you think about Fred VanVleet’s statement about officiating? Let us know in the comments.
