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“He might get fined $1,000,000”: NBA Star’s Profanity Laced Rant Against Referees Has Fans Holding their Breaths

Published 03/09/2023, 8:30 AM EST

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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.

Fred VanVleet rips apart the officiating

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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.”

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.”

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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:

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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.

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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.

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Written by:

Bagavathi Eswaran

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Bagavathi Eswaran is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He has been playing the game of basketball for more than 20 years now and has also been following the NBA for more than 10 years. After not being able to go pro, this former college player decided to join the IT industry.
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