Raptors Coach Dwane Casey Fined $25,000 For Criticizing Referees

The NBA fined Toronto Raptors head coach Dwane Casey $25,000 on Sunday for “public criticism of officiating” one day after his comments regarding the calls and non-calls during the Raptors’ 99-84 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday.

Raptors Coach Dwane Casey Fined $25,000 For Criticizing Referees

Casey, 59, invoked the officiating several times in his post-game news conference, even when the question didn’t concern the officiating.

“How you can miss fouls like that and calls like that? I can’t see it,” Casey said. “I’ve been in this league a long time, in college basketball a long time, but again, there’s got to be consistency. The same foul on one end has got to be the same foul on the other.”

He also said, “We shot zero free throws in the fourth quarter. Zero.”

Casey also noted that the Raptors have been called for 73 fouls so far this series, while the Cavaliers have been called for 46. Cleveland has also outshot Toronto, 86-51, at the foul line. Toronto’s coach also complained about the officiating after DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry did not attempt a free throw in Game 1.

League officials had a discussion with Casey on Sunday and announced the fine later that same day.

“It’s over with,” Casey said before the fine. “I said what I had to say last night. I’m not trying to send a message. It was a comment about the game last night, and it’s over with.”

Cavaliers guard Dahntay Jones also received punishment in the form of a suspension. Jones was suspended Game 4 for his low blow on Bismack Biyombo. The series is now tied 2-2 following the 105-99 Game 4 win on Monday night.

PHOTO: CLEVELAND, OH – MAY 17: Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors looks on in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game one of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena on May 17, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Article by Pablo Mena