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The NBA recently fined Anthony Edwards $35,000 after making an inappropriate gesture toward a fan. The incident occurred on November 15, 2024, when the Minnesota Timberwolves faced off against the Sacramento Kings. With a little over three minutes left in the first quarter, Edwards stuck his middle finger up at the crowd. The controversial moment came after Ant-Man got into a heated discussion with the officials over a foul call.
During the game, the NBA player put up an impressive performance. The 23-year-old, who currently leads Minnesota in scoring, was the talk of the town. He finished with 26 points on 14-of-27 shooting in a little over 40 minutes of action. He also snagged five rebounds and two assists.
Anthony is undoubtedly having his best season currently. He’s averaging 28 PPG and 5.1 rebounds. Despite his success, though, the shooting guard will still face consequences for his actions. And based on fan reaction, many people are happy about it.
Anthony Edwards Slammed for Reckless Behavior
After the NBA announced Anthony Edwards’ fine for his “obscene gesture,” many sports fans commented on the news. In the Daily Mail‘s comments, users went in on the 23-year-old for being “immature.” They continued, saying the star player is talented but has “vulgar” behavior. Another poster wrote they stopped watching the National Basketball Association several years ago. Someone even claimed Anthony had “no home training” while growing up.
Other netizens also shared their feelings about the amount of the fine Anthony received. According to SportRac, Edwards’ 2024 salary is just over $42 million. Consequently, watchers are blasting the league for hitting the superstar with a “meaningless” penalty.
“Fines should be a percentage of total income,” someone wrote. Another agreed, writing that his fine is “cheaper than a night of bottle service at the club.” A third user said that $35,000 to Anthony is “like getting a five-dollar parking ticket to the regular person.”
Anthony’s actions aren’t the first time they’ve gotten the NBA star in trouble with the league. In January 2024, the association fined him $40,000 for “repeatedly criticizing the officiating.”
Other Ball Players Are Being Fined for Problematic Actions
Anthony Edwards isn’t the only NBA player being fined. The league also announced that star player LaMelo Ball would be fined $100,000 after using “offensive and derogatory” language during a post-game interview. The moment came after Charlotte’s 115-114 win over the Bucks at home on Saturday, November 16. While discussing a play that kept Giannis Antetokounmpo locked up, Ball made a statement that some fans perceived to be “anti-gay.”
“We loaded up,” Ball said before adding, “No homo.”
This isn’t the first time he’s been under fire, though. In late October, basketball fans slammed him for dropping the F-bomb during a live TV interview. “That’s my brother right there,” Ball said about Hornets coach Kemba Walker. “That’s my dog.”
“Like I said, he gang. I’m gang. We chillin’ all the time. I f*ck with him; that’s family.”
Once the news about his fine became public, the reaction seemed to be split. Many users were confused as to why the baller was being punished, citing “free speech.” Others, on the other hand, said they weren’t surprised in the slightest. “Considering who his dad is and the way he talks, that’s pretty calm,” they commented on the Daily Mail.
Another fan also slammed Ball, saying he had children who looked up to him. “Don’t spread hate. Leave that to our next government.”
