'I'll be the bad guy': Rudy Gobert implies NBA refs are driven by sports betting

Gobert will undoubtedly be slapped with a hefty fine for his comments.

Rudy Gobert cost the Timberwolves a win Friday night in Cleveland and even though he admits he's at fault for his poorly timed criticism on the court, he's not shying away from his belief that NBA officials may be influenced by sports betting. 

What happened? With 27.8 seconds to play Gobert was whistled for his sixth foul and then a technical foul for gesturing money signs at the refs. Darius Garland used the tech to make a free throw that tied the game 97-97 to force overtime – and the Cavs dominated the extra session and won 113-104. 

Listen it was dumb, but Rudy Gobert getting a T for making the money gesture is hilarious pic.twitter.com/tHuff6CxZa

— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) March 9, 2024

"Yeah, of course it's frustrating. Then obviously my reaction, which I think is the truth – I truly believe –  and even if it is the truth, I think it wasn't the time for me to react that way. I should have not done that. Cost my team the game. And obviously, they can't wait to give me a tech. So yeah, that was a bad, that was an immature reaction from me," Gobert admitted afterward. 

What about sports betting? Gobert elaborated... 

"Mistakes happen. Referees make mistakes, too. Sometimes I think it's more than mistakes. And I'm gonna stay at that," Gobert said. 

"I think everyone that's in this league knows. And I think it's got to get better. I'll bite the bullet again. I'll be the bad guy again that speaks what I think is the truth. And hopefully the league, I mean they're probably gonna fine me, and once again I'll take the fine, but I think it's hurting our game. I know the betting and all that is becoming bigger and bigger, but it shouldn't feel that way. And I give all my respect to the other team, to Cleveland. They played a hell of a game, too. But just let the players decide the game."

Overall, Minnesota was called for 25 fouls compared to 20 on Cleveland. But the Cavs had 36 free throws to only 22 for the Wolves. The discrepancy didn't exist until later in the game, highlighted by Timberwolves radio man Alan Horton noting that the Cavs attempted eight free throws in the first 30 minutes and then toed the line 28 times in the final 23 minutes. 

The loss dropped the Wolves to 44-20, falling a half-game behind Oklahoma City (44-19) for first place in the Western Conference. 

Minnesota gets to rest up Saturday before facing the Lakers in L.A. Sunday at 8:30 p.m. in a game that will be nationally televised on ESPN. 

Mar 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) reacts after fouling out during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse / Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports