Scott Foster calls out Rudy Gobert over disrespectful money gesture

The Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Denver Nuggets in seven games to advance to the Western Conference Finals. However, the series did not come without drama. Minnesota center Rudy Gobert performed a money sign gesture to officials in Game 4, which caused him a big fine. NBA referee Scott Foster gave his thoughts on Gobert’s gesture and the topic of disrespect to officials in general.

Gobert sometimes gets upset when he does not get the calls he feels are warranted. The Nuggets series was not the first time he has made gestures to officials. Gobert performed an offensive foul on Jarrett Allen during the fourth quarter of the March 8th Timberwolves-Cavaliers game. Scott Foster was the one who made the call, and Gobert performed the infamous money sign gesture.

Foster is finally opening up after Gobert’s playoff showing.

“I wouldn’t say it offends me, but it definitely affects me, where I go, ‘Wow, man. Like really?’” Foster said of Gobert’s gesture, via The Athletic. “I mean, come on. That’s not what we are about. You’ve got to be kidding me you think that. I just think that has become a symbol of disrespect, or a way you disrespect an official.”

The rise of sports betting has many inside and outside the NBA skeptical about the outcomes of games. Gobert’s gesture seemed to imply that Scott Foster was trying to change the outcome of the game for someone to win a bet. But Foster emphasized that he and other officials are not about that.

It is tempting to accuse an NBA referee of purposely changing the outcome of the game. However, Gobert and others must recognize and respect officials’ judgment of the game. At the end of the day, players cannot control officiating, they can only control themselves.

Rudy Gobert looks to put Scott Foster, referee frustrations behind him amid a crucial time 

Rudy Gobert provided stellar support for the Timberwolves in their hard-fought Nuggets battle. His primary objective will be preparing for his team’s next matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. Gobert makes a large impact and can help Minnesota get to the NBA Finals.

The 31-year-old  is a large reason why the Timberwolves excelled during the 2023-24 regular season. He averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks through 76 regular season games. Moreover, Gobert helped Minnesota rank fourth in Team Defense, per NBA.com. As a result, he won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

Gobert continued to be highly effective during the playoffs. He has amassed averages of 12.2 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks through 10 games. He was instrumental in keeping Nikola Jokic at bay, and he looks to more resistance to a dangerous Mavs backcourt.

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are two of the best scorers in the NBA. Doncic led the league in scoring during the regular season and continued to be stout in the postseason. The perennial MVP candidate has averaged 27.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 9.1 assists, and 1.4 steals through 12 games.

Meanwhile, Irving continues to catch opposing defenders off balance with his impeccable shot-creating. He has averaged 21.0 points and shot 44.0 percent on three-pointers during the playoffs.

The Timberwolves will have their work cut out for them. Nevertheless, they have the means to resist and overcome the Mavericks.