Fred VanVleet fined $30K, says officiating criticism 'unfortunate'

Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet was fined $30,000 by the NBA on Thursday for his blistering criticism of official Ben Taylor that came after a 108-100 loss to the LA Clippers on Wednesday night.

VanVleet reiterated his frustration at the time with the officiating, not just in the loss to the Clippers but also in a defeat at the Denver Nuggets on Monday.

«Speaking for a lot of guys, obviously I was frustrated, emotional,» VanVleet told Toronto reporters Thursday. «But there are a lot of people that feel that way. Hopefully going forward we see some change for the better, the betterment of the game. It was a little emotional, a tough loss, things not going our way, got caught up in the moment a little bit.

»You live and you learn and you move on. It came out authentic, it came out in real time. I wouldn't have done that if I felt like I had another option or outlet. I felt like I've exhausted my options this season, many different occasions. It is just one of those things, I am human.

«You will see me make mistakes in real time and make things that are not always perfect. A little unprofessional for my standard, so it was unfortunate.»

The Clippers went to the line 31 times compared to the Raptors' 14 free-throw attempts. VanVleet was whistled for a technical foul by Taylor with 7:02 remaining in the third quarter. The Clippers were up seven at the time. While Toronto would get within 70-68 later in the quarter, the Clippers would push the lead back up to 12 shortly before the start the fourth.

After VanVleet picked up his eighth technical foul this season — three of which have come from Taylor — he sounded off on the official.

«I don't mind, I'll take a fine. I don't really care,» VanVleet said Wednesday night.