NBA Fines Timberwolves' Naz Reid $50,000 for Criticizing Referees

Reid was ejected from overtime game against Rockets after challenging a call

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:50am

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The NBA has fined Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid $50,000 for comments he made criticizing the integrity of the game officials following his ejection during an overtime win against the Houston Rockets. Reid was ejected after arguing a call that was upheld by the referees, leading to the hefty fine from the league.

Why it matters

The NBA takes a strong stance against players publicly questioning the integrity of game officials, as it can undermine the credibility of the league. This fine sends a clear message that the league will not tolerate such behavior, even from young players like Reid who are still developing their on-court maturity.

The details

In the overtime period of the Timberwolves' win over the Rockets, Reid was called for an offensive foul that was upheld after a review. Reid argued the call with referee Scott Foster and was subsequently ejected with 4:13 left in overtime. Foster said Reid 'made a statement that questioned the integrity of the crew' in explaining the ejection.

  • On Wednesday, March 27, 2026, Naz Reid was ejected from the Timberwolves-Rockets game in overtime.
  • On Friday, March 29, 2026, the NBA announced a $50,000 fine for Reid due to his comments criticizing the game officials.

The players

Naz Reid

A 24-year-old center for the Minnesota Timberwolves who was ejected from a game against the Houston Rockets and fined $50,000 by the NBA for criticizing the game officials.

Scott Foster

An NBA referee who ejected Naz Reid from the Timberwolves-Rockets game and said Reid made comments that questioned the integrity of the officiating crew.

Rudy Gobert

A Timberwolves center who commented on the situation, saying the team tries to 'believe in the basketball gods' and focus on playing through adversity to get the win.

Jaden McDaniels

A Timberwolves player who also weighed in on the situation, expressing a desire to focus on playing through the adversity to get the win.

James Jones

The NBA's executive vice president and head of basketball operations, who announced the $50,000 fine for Naz Reid.

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What they’re saying

“'Reid made a statement that questioned the integrity of the crew,'”

— Scott Foster, NBA Referee

“'We just try to believe in the basketball gods. Just keep trying to compete. Play winning basketball and control what we can control.'”

— Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves Center

What’s next

The Timberwolves will continue their season, hoping to move past this incident as they push for a playoff spot. The NBA will likely continue to monitor player conduct and enforce its rules around criticizing officials to maintain the integrity of the game.

The takeaway

This fine highlights the NBA's strict policy against players publicly questioning the integrity of game officials, even when emotions run high during close, competitive games. It serves as a reminder that the league will not tolerate such behavior, as it can undermine the credibility of the officiating and the sport as a whole.