ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith says he feels bad Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers got fined $50,000 for violating the NBA's anti-tampering rules on Friday.
Rivers was a guest on Smith's ESPN special a few days ago and commented on Toronto Raptors star small forward Kawhi Leonard.
Smith says he disagrees with the fine, but he agrees that the NBA should be consistent after also fining former Los Angeles Lakers president Magic Johnson for similar comments he made about Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
However, Smith says it's essentially his fault Rivers got in trouble with the league because he asked the question about Leonard.
Rivers can afford the $50,000, but that's not the point here. Smith is upset with himself that he put the Clippers coach in a position to get fined in the first place.
Smith says he will speak with Rivers about the fine. The ESPN insider is currently in Toronto covering the NBA Finals.
The Clippers have been heavily linked to Leonard all season. Many believe if Leonard decides to leave the Raptors in the summer, the three-time All-Star will sign with the Clips since he's from California.
Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors are currently up 1-0 on the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals.