The NBA declared that Taylor Jenkins, the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, would be subject to a stiff fine of $25,000, just two days after Jenkins lambasted the officials during the Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies game.
NBA releases statement
NBA Communication’s official X account issued a statement on Sunday, November 12, regarding the incident.
NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2023—Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins has been fined $25,000 for public criticism of the officiating, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
Jenkins made his comments to the media following the Grizzlies’ 127-121 loss to the Utah Jazz on Nov. 10 at FedEx Forum.
The following has been released by the NBA pic.twitter.com/Js2jrzjlKU
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 12, 2023
Jenkins’ comments
When asked how he felt about how the game turned out in a post-match conference, Jenkins’ response was not what everyone had expected.
“Saddle up. One of the most poorly officiated games I’ve ever seen. Record it, I’m fine with it. F****ng atrocious,” Jenkins said.
“Jaren Jackson plays 23 minutes, and he’s in the paint all night. He’s one of the most professional players in this league. He gets a double technical foul, and the excuse I get is that he’s charging at an official. It’s called de-escalation. 29 free throws to 13, and I’m not that coach. You can go back in history – I’ve done this one other time.”
“Our team is competing their a**es off, and this is what happens? The interactions right now with the officials…complete disrespect.”
This was not the first incident in which the officials got entangled in a controversy this week. After news of Giannis Antetokounmpo getting ejected from the Bucks vs. Pistons match-up for “using profanity at the official” and “staring down” at Isaiah Stewart, fans were enraged at how soft the league has become.
GIANNIS EJECTED AFTER STARE DOWN 😳 pic.twitter.com/ue53QFjjOT
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 9, 2023
Jenkins receives support
“Saddle up. One of the most poorly officiated games I’ve ever seen. Record it, I’m fine with it. F*cking atrocious.”
Taylor Jenkins WENT OFF on the officials after the Grizzlies’ loss to the Jazz last night 😳pic.twitter.com/nXGPB2YMVc
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 11, 2023
After Clutchpoints posted a video of Jenkins’ criticizing the officials, a lot of the fans came out in support of the Grizzlies coach, saying that this time it was the officials’’ fault.
One fan wrote, “Love this from the Grizzlies coach bad officiating needs to be pointed out. Do better.”
Another X user also added, “I’m a Jazz fan and glad they got the win… But I have to agree that the officials botched that game. And as a team who often times doesn’t get the call I understand his frustration.”
While another one echoed the previous sentiments from Giannis’ ejection, stating that the league has gone soft, “🗣️ Say it louder for the officials in the back!
The NBA is getting soft.”
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Cover Photo: YouTube