Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Fined $35,000 After Criticizing Referees

Brown Unhappy with Officiating in Loss to Spurs

BOSTON — Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown was fined $35,000 on Monday for his postgame comments criticizing the officiating in the team’s 100-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. The four-time All-Star didn’t mince words when speaking to reporters about what he felt was inconsistent officiating.

Inconsistent Officiating Irks Brown

“What’s up with the officiating tonight? They couldn’t make up their minds,” Brown said, his voice laced with frustration. “I hope someone can show the clips. It’s the same damn thing every time we play a good team. It’s like they refuse to make a call and then call contact fouls on the other end.”

Brown, who scored 27 points in 43 minutes, took issue with the disparity in free throws. The Spurs shot 20 free throws compared to the Celtics’ four, and Boston was penalized for 18 fouls versus San Antonio’s 13.

“It’s Hard to Win Games Like That”

Brown emphasized that the officiating made it difficult for his team to prevail in the contest. “If we can’t get to the free throw line and teams are allowed to be physical and get us out of our positions, it’s hard to win games like that.”

Brown Names Referee Curtis Blair

The 24-year-old forward made it a point to mention referee Curtis Blair by name, expressing his displeasure at how the game was officiated. “Curtis, all those guys were terrible tonight. I don’t care. They can fine me whatever they want,” he said. “But it’s crazy. Every time we play a good team, it’s the same expletive every time we play a good team. Someone please show the clips.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Jaylen Brown Fined $35,000 for Criticizing Referees

Celtics star Jaylen Brown was fined $35,000 on Monday for his candid remarks about the officiating in the team’s 100-95 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. The four-time All-Star voiced his frustration at what he felt was inconsistent officiating during a fiery postgame press conference.

Brown Unhappy with Officiating

• Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown was fined $35,000 for criticizing referees.
• Brown scored 27 points in 43 minutes but felt the officiating hindered his team’s chances of winning.
• The Spurs shot 20 free throws compared to the Celtics’ four, with Boston committing 18 fouls and San Antonio 13.

Brown Singles Out Referees

• “What’s up with the officiating tonight? They couldn’t make up their minds,” Brown said in the post-game conference.
• Brown refused to hold back, mentioning referee Curtis Blair by name.
• “It’s the same expletive every time we play a good team,” Brown added, referring to the perceived inconsistency in officiating.

Did You Know?

Jaylen Brown has been an outspoken critic of the officiating before. In February 2021, he was fined $50,000 for criticizing the referees during a game against the Toronto Raptors.

Pro Tip

To stay informed on Jaylen Brown’s latest news and views, follow him on Twitter at @FCHWPO.