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Last Tuesday's game between the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors turned out to be a hotly contested one as tensions ran high and there were even moments where players failed to keep theirs in check. Following the exchange of punches between James Johnson and Serge Ibaka in the third quarter, both sides seemed to have tempered their emotions better — until the final buzzer sounded.
Goran Dragic and DeMar DeRozan had a few words to say to each other and had to be separated when they got involved in a shoving match. Their actions resulted in fines slapped to them by the league office, with the Raptors shooting guard needing to pay $25,000, and Dragic $10,000. However, The Dragon has reportedly appealed it and given his side in an attempt to reverse the decision made, according to Tom D'Angelo of the Palm Beach Post.
Heat guard Goran Dragic said he has appealed the $10,000 fine he received for the altercation with Toronto's DeMar DeRozan at the end of Wednesday's game. DeRozan was fined $25,000
— Tom D'Angelo (@tomdangelo44) January 13, 2018
The former Most Improved Player may have a strong argument as DeRozan was the aggressor during the scuffle. He even tried to shove his face after the initial push he made, and Dragic did not retaliate physically. That said, it could be the reason why he feels like he does not deserve to be $10,000 poorer as he only held on to DeRozan's jersey before they were separated by Erik Spoesltra and some of their teammates.
It remains to be seen what the league office will decide on and if they will reassess the entire situation. Should they withdraw the sanction given to Dragic, it will be one of the first times it will happen apart from rescinding technical fouls, which will also show that they are open to listening to the players' side and hear them out as well.
