Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has been fined $35K for public criticism of the officiating and using profane language during a media interview, the league announced (Twitter link).
Following Saturday’s loss at Houston, Dallas’ fourth straight defeat, Kidd went on an expletive-filled tirade regarding media criticism of Kidd using rookie Cooper Flagg as the team’s de facto point guard.
“I don’t give a f–k about the criticism,” Kidd said. “The criticism, that’s your opinion. You guys write that bulls–-. I’ve done this. I’ve played this game. I’ve played it at a very high level, and I know what the f–k I’m doing.”
The No. 1 overall pick has thrived the past two games, putting up 49 points and 10 rebounds on Thursday and finishing with 34 points, 12 rebounds and five assists on Saturday.
“I don’t give a f–k what you guys write,” Kidd said. “Because you guys have never played the game before. I have built players. I know what the f–k I’m doing. To take criticism, it only makes me better. Because if I wasn’t doing it right, you guys wouldn’t be poking holes at what I’ve done.”
Kidd also ripped the officiating crew. He was particularly upset about a play with 25 seconds remaining, when Flagg drove down the lane and missed a left-handed layup that would have tied the game.
“I saw a foul,” Kidd said. “[Officials] Sean [Wright], Simone [Jelks] and Jason [Goldenberg] were awful tonight. The referees were unacceptable. It’s a foul, and he needs to be at the free throw line. Now, does he make both? That’s up to the player, but the referees did not do their job. They were terrible.”