Memphis Grizzlies’ Coach Taylor Jenkins Fined $25,000 Over Officiating Comments

Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins has been fined $25,000 by the NBA two days after criticizing the officiating during the team’s 127-121 loss to the Utah Jazz.

Of officiating in the game, Jenkins did not mince his words, “Saddle up. One of the most poorly officiated games I’ve ever seen. Record it. I’m fine with it. (Expletive) atrocious,” he said. 

Jenkins’ frustrations stemmed from the number of free throw attempts. While the Jazz had a total of 29, the Grizzlies only had 13. 

The Grizzlies also saw Jaren Jackson Jr. ejected from the game following a heated reaction in which he felt multiple calls were missed.

“He’s one of the most professional players in this league, and gets a double technical foul, and the excuse I get is that he’s charging at an official. It’s called de-escalation,” Jenkins said of Jackson’s ejection.

Any criticism of officials by NBA coaches is subject to discipline, with fines being the most common form of punishment. In March, former Phoenix Suns Monty Williams was fined $20,000 for postgame comments about the referees.

The Grizzlies, who are 1-8, are currently the worst team in the league. They are missing, Ja Morant, who is serving a 25-game suspension and, Steven Adams, due to injury.