Bam Adebayo fined $50,000 for inappropriate contact with referee

The NBA officially announced that Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo was fined $50,000 for inappropriate contact with the referee and using inappropriate language.

The incident occurred on March 7, when the Miami Heat lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 104-106 at home. Adebayo had an argument with the referee after the end of the fourth quarter.

In an interview after the game, Adebayo said: "Nothing, no explanation. And it's not just about the last round, but the whole game."

"I don't really like to argue with referees because they have their job and we have our job. Our players are trying their best on the court. So at least, as a referee, when I communicate with you, can you be a little respectful and look me in the eye instead of just walking away."

"Obviously, we lost the game. I don't understand why they think we can't have emotions. We can get emotional whether we win or lose, and if our exchanges with the referee get heated, it's not because we want to be unreasonable, but because something happened during the game.

"At least have some respect and look the other person in the eye instead of turning away. To me, that's the most basic respect in the man's game."

Adebayo also pointed out that the NBA treats referees and players unfairly, saying: "I have a good relationship with most referees. I am not the kind of person who likes to argue, but I will have emotions on the court because we are fighting for victory. I have seen many teams say more excessive words to the referees, but they were not sent off."

"And I waited until the end of the game to try to have a conversation with the referee, but the referee just walked away, which was a huge disrespect to me. If our players turned away because of emotions, we would be called for technical fouls and fined, which is ridiculous."