Noah has since apologised and escaped a suspension.
Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah has been fined $15,000 by the NBA after his profanity-laden tirade directed at the officials during his team’s 99-70 loss to the Sacramento Kings.
The Bulls suffered a 29-point defeat on Monday night, with Noah ejected from the game after picking up his second technical foul within minutes of his first after disagreeing with a foul call.
However, prior to leaving the court he unleashed an outburst directed at the three referees where he pointed at each individually before swearing at them following their decision.
The 28-year-old apologised after the game and had hoped that he wouldn’t be suspended, and while it appears as though he has escaped further punishment, he has been hit with the fine.
“I think it was fair,” he said before Tuesday’s game against the Phoenix Suns, as reported ESPN.
“It was a bad mistake on my part. I have to keep my cool under all circumstances. It’s unfortunate I have to pay for it. And I have to move on and just get ready for the game.”
Noah attempted to explain that with the way the game was going his frustration built up and he allowed it to get the better of him, but he was merely relieved that he was able to help his team-mates in their impressive win over the Suns on Tuesday.
Coach Tom Thibodeau was particularly pleased with the reaction from his team after their worst performance of the season in which they shot just 28.2 percent from the field.
Thibodeau believes that Noah’s actions warranted a fine but not a suspension, and while he was disappointed that his star center allowed his emotions to get the better of him, he insists that he has no issues moving forward as it can happen in the heat of the moment.
Watch the video below to see the incident in question:
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