NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently gave his sentiments about the $50,000 fine that was given to Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers, following his recent comments about Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard that violated the league's anti-tampering rules.
In an interview with the Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, Silver didn't show any sympathy for Rivers, saying that he's been in the league for a long time, so he should've known the things that he should and should not say.
“I would just say Doc's been at this a long time. It's not a fun part of my job ever fining everyone and I understand the competing interest of the media in hearing a coach's view about a current NBA player, but it's something where there's a bright line in this league and you're not allowed to do it. Head coaches or team executives in those positions need to say, ‘I’m not permitted by the league to respond to that question.’ And it's a balance of interest, i understand that, but he unfortunately crossed a bright line.”
Rivers was recently a guest on ESPN's NBA Finals preview show, where he said Leonard is the closest thing to Michael Jordan he's ever seen. Kawhi is set to become a free agent this summer, and the Clippers are reportedly the front-runners to sign him, so it is understandable why the league is being strict about the statements being made by those who are affiliated to the said franchise.
Expect the league office to be more observant over the next couple of weeks, as the free agency season is just around the corner.
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