Devin Booker’s Technical Foul From Game 2 Versus OKC Rescinded By League—$35K Fine Issued

The Suns could not get it going enough to win Game 2. Phoenix was defeated by double digits. However, one player on the Suns did not particularly care for the officiating of the important postseason game. He spoke up and eventually the league weighed in as well. The outcome? The technical fouls called on Dillon Brooks and Luguentz Dort in Game 2 of Suns-Thunder have been rescinded by the NBA. Additionally, Devin Booker’s technical foul from Game 2 versus OKC has also been rescinded by the league.

Just to get you caught up on “the drama” that has played out during the past 48 hours. This is what Devin Booker said in his postgame interview about the officiating in game two vs OKC:

“It’s definitely something that has to be looked into. I heard Caruso tell them to call the tech and he ended up doing it. In my 11 years, I haven’t called a ref out by name, but James [Williams] was terrible tonight, through and through. It’s bad for the sport, bad for the integrity of the sport. People are going to start viewing this as the WWE if they’re not held responsible.”

I know I haven’t won a championship in this league but I have been in it for 11 years now, so to get to this point to be treated like that, for me to even be saying something out loud… It’s bad.

It’s my first time in 11 years but it’s needed. Whatever, I get fined for it, everybody can pull the clips and see where the frustration comes from.”

Suns and Mercury owner, Mat Ishbia, backed up Booker’s sentiments of frustration; throwing his full support behind his player. Ishbia released the following statement after the Devin Booker interview:

“I am 100% behind Devin Booker here. Last night was not a good look for our league. Let me be clear, we didn’t lose because of officiating, but that doesn’t make last night any less important. If the referees are going to demand respect from the players – as they should – then the players should demand respect from the referees. When a referee is missing calls and clearly disrespecting the players, almost mocking them, they must be held accountable. Nobody who loves this game enjoyed watching that last night. They want to see the players compete at the highest level. The league needs be far more aggressive about this kind of thing. All players and all fans deserve it.”

Devin Booker’s Technical Foul From Game 2 Versus OKC Rescinded By League—$35K Fine Issued

The NBA looked into the techs and these developments; and late Thursday evening the National Basketball Association came to a decision. The league through their public relations communications page stated the following:

“Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker has been fined $35,000 for public criticism of the officiating, it was announced today by James Jones, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations. Following an investigation including multiple interviews and video review, the league found no basis to any claim of bias or misconduct by game officials.

Booker made his comments to the press following the Suns’ 120-107 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series on April 22 at Paycom Center.

The NBA also determined that Booker’s technical foul at 2:05 in the third quarter was improperly assessed and it has therefore been rescinded.”

The confusing part of this outcome is the fine despite the technical foul being rescinded. Would seem the fine would not be given in this particular case and instance. Booker’s frustration and criticism of the ref stemmed from the tech received. But the league is clear on its stance, the $35K is “for public criticism of the officiating.” For years, the  NBA has been working feverishly to promote more “respect” for those officiating; therefore, a fine has been issued.

Now that a resolution has come to pass, all sides and both teams move on to Game 3. The Suns and Thunder will next play Saturday afternoon. Phoenix should get a nice home atmosphere boost as they do battle on their own turf.

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