Phil Jackson fined by NBA

The NBA today fined Lakers Coach Phil Jackson $25,000 for his comments about the officiating in Monday's Game 4 loss to the Nuggets in Denver.

Jackson complained that the referees had let the game get out of hand; the Nuggets shot 49 free throws compared with the Lakers' 35. "We want the game to be fair and evenly played," Jackson said.

Jackson also complained about Denver guard Dahntay Jones' tripping Kobe Bryant: "Just unacceptable defense, tripping guys and playing unsportsmanlike basketball," Jackson said on Monday.

The NBA today assessed Jones a flagrant foul, penalty one, for the trip on Bryant.

The Lakers were also fined $25,000 by the NBA for Jackson's comments.

The Lakers-Nuggets series is tied at two wins apiece; Game 5 is Wednesday night at Staples Center.

-- Barry Stavro

Photo: Lakers Coach Phil Jackson argues with an NBA official during the Lakers' Game 4 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Monday. Credit: Rick Giase / EPA

Comments

[Talar]

It's nice that the NBA has found a new market.

Create problems, wait for someone to FINALLY speak up, and then fine them.

Jackson hardly ever complains, when he does, you know there is an issue. Jones' push was let go and his trip was a flagrant 1? What about Bynum's flagrant 1 when he clearly made a play for the ball when fouling Andersen.

There are too many issues with the officials on the west as well as the east. I can understand trying to even the disparity between team quality, but it is hard to watch the show the NBA has put on in the place of real basketball.

[Mary Ann]

I don't understand why somebody can be fined for telling the truth? Am I in the USA or not?

[apujac]

all the NBA needed to do is take a look at the reuns. i think it should be the officiating people that should be fine.

[Adrianna]

I wondered if the officiating bosses watch film of the games, if they don't they should and fine the officials that make all the messed up calls or suspend them or something! Both series have SUCKED!!!! Lebron with all the offensive fouls that get called the other way, really, Orlando should of sweapt them if you would of gotten fair calls!

[RE]

David Stern has turned the NBA into a non sporting event. The officiating or lack of is pathetic. Where did this bunch of guys in stripes come from. Obviously they couldn't even ref a high school game. It's a real shame to have the fans pay the money to watch a less than satisfying product. The NBA is broken and I doubt if it can be fixed with the current jerk at the helm. Totally unacceptable!... go ahead fine me too. I feel I have been fined already by paying for season tickets.

[RE]

P.S. .... NBA.... Not Been Amazing... been terrible

[regbeast]

I feel like Phil Jackson actually is a bad coach. I don't want him to win his 10th ring. He sucks.. Lets go red auerbach and the celts..

[regbeast]

didn't mean to unles u conside suck an offensive words... but i think other people has used it tooo..

[kb24]

Agreeing with every comment except regbeast.

[ryang]

sounds like phil jackson is a sore loser waaah cry my a river ,,,,, its funny he doesnt complain when they win? hmmm sounds like a sore loser to me Go spurs!

[Economics Daily]

Phil, if you are reading this, you need to bench Derek Fisher.
In Game 5, the Lakers were able to get aggressive and pump up their energy only when Derek Fisher left the floor.
They were not able to do that in game 4 because Fisher stayed on the court until it was too late.
Fisher no longer has a game. He enables the Denver offense in mulitple ways and severely handicaps the Laker offense.
I hate to say this because I understand he is a great person and liked by all, but it is true. He was a good player, but he no longer has any game.
And Farmar and Brown are ready and eager to help the team win. The longer Fisher sits, the more assured the Lakers will be to win game 6.