Most players in the NBA would agree that Charlotte Hornets big man Dwight Howard is still one of the filthiest centers in the league today. That’s meant to be a compliment for his being an unstoppable force in the paint but could also describe the way he acted in once instance during Friday’s 100-99 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Howard made a sexually suggestive gesture while running down the floor in the second quarter of the contest, and the NBA isn’t going to let the Hornets big man escape with that, as the league has levied a hefty fine on the 14-year veteran to teach him a lesson.

Here’s the official statement from the league via NBA.com:

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Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard has been fined $35,000 for making an obscene gesture on the playing court, it was announced today by Kiki VanDeWeghe, Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations.

The incident occurred with 4:25 remaining in the second quarter against the Cavs on Friday, Nov. 24 at Quicken Loans Arena.

The NBA has been vigilant in guarding its image as a wholesome, family-friendly entertainment institution, so the fine it meted out for Howard isn’t going to raise plenty of eyebrows. Dwight Howard’s action has no place in the league, which the NBA has made clear by pinching his pocket.

Howard’s always going to be Howard, a fun-loving player with a penchant for making jokes and pranks, crude or not. He’s about to turn 32 this December, though, so maybe, just maybe, now is the time for the prep-to-pro star to start acting more mature on and off the court.