Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph put the blame on the referees for his team’s 100-92 loss to the Houston Rockets on Thursday in Texas, calling the game an “eight against five” affair and earning a $25,000 fine in the process.
When asked about the game’s turning point, Randolph reportedly said as per SI.com: “It’s obvious, it was the refs tonight. Eight against five. The game — in the second half — the man was shooting free throws every time. We’re out there playing hard. They’re dictating the game. It can’t be like that, man. We’re out here playing too.”
The man that Randolph referred to was Houston Rockets star guard James Harden who shot 25 free throws, and made 22 of them. Harden eventually scored 27 points despite making only two of his nine field goal attempts.
Upon hearing the forward’s complaints, the league front office immediately announced that Randolph was to pay $25,000 in fines on Friday. The Grizzlies star was apparently taking a dig at the free throw discrepancy between his team and the Rockets, with Memphis attempting only 20 free throws and called for 30 fouls while their opponents whistled only for 19 fouls but attempting 40 free throws.
“It was horrible refereeing — a horrible game they reffed tonight,” Randolph continued. “Awful. They dictated the game. Plain, point simple. They dictated the game. We’re out here working as hard as them. Come on, man.”
The league has been imposing fines on coaches and players who have been critical of the officiating this season. Earlier, New York Knicks head coach Mike Woodson and Nuggets guard Nate Robinson were also fined for their comments on officiating.
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