LeBron James was fined $15,000 for an obscene gesture Friday by the NBA. He was in the news while playing at New York a night earlier after he was suspended one game for hitting Detroit center Isaiah Stewart in the face and drawing blood last Sunday. James made the gesture after making a shot late in Los Angeles’ 124-116 overtime victory in Indiana on Wednesday night. He was also warned about using profane language regarding his suspension during media availability.
The NBA stated, “Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has been fined $15,000 for making an obscene gesture on the playing court and warned for using profane language during media availability in response to league imposed discipline, it was announced today by Byron Spruell, President, League Operations. The incident occurred with 1:17 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Lakers’ 124-116 overtime win against the Indiana Pacers on Nov. 24 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.”
Dominating social media was his actions during overtime of the game when James had two fans sitting courtside ejected for using inappropriate language. He didn’t elaborate on what the fans said, but said that there’s a difference between cheering for your team and crossing the line. “When obscene gestures and language come into it, (it) can’t be tolerated,” James said.
Many players see fines like these for profanity and like gestures from the NBA. The NBA being a no tolerance zone for any violent behavior from its players.
