DeMarcus Cousins Fined: Kings’ Center Fined $25K for Bashing Referees [Video]


Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Friday for publicly criticizing officials after a 95-83 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.

USA Today writes that during the contest, Cousins was constantly tangled up with All-Star power forward Blake Griffin in a match-up of two of the league’s budding young big men. The former Kentucky big man was in foul trouble throughout, finishing with eight points and three rebounds before being rang up with his sixth and final foul in the game’s closing seconds.

In a post-game interview, Cousins shared his thoughts on on Griffin’s seemingly preferential treatment by NBA referees.

“He’s babied,” Cousins told SI.com. “He’s the poster child of the league. He sells tickets, but he’s babied. Bottom line.”

Cousins was asked who babied Griffin.

“The refs, the league – period,” Cousins said. “He gets away with (everything). He taunts players. Nothing is done. He’s babied. If they’re going to let it be physical, it’s usually physical on both ends. You saw the game, so I don’t really have to say much.”

In addition to his criticisms on the NBA officiating, Cousins also commented on being fouled out with 1:11 to play when he swiped at the ball and was called for striking Griffin in the face. Griffin put his hand to his face after the whistle.

“I guess the wind from my hand hit him in the eye,” Cousins said. “I guess he got fouled by the wind.”

When reporters mentioned that Griffin said he wasn’t worried about what happened with Cousins because both teams play again on Saturday in L.A, Cousin quipped:

“Of course that’s what Blake is going to say because he’s in L.A., where actors belong. He’s an actor, so of course he would say that.”

Check out DeMarcus Cousins’ post game interview comments in the video below:

CBSSports reports that Cousins, 21, is averaging 18.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks in 30.2 minutes per game for the Kings this season. He’s making $3.6 million during the 2011-2012 season.

Blake Griffin and DeMarcus Cousins step on the court together again tonight at 10:30pm EST as the Kings play the Clippers in LA. Check highlights of the previous matchup below:

via Sac Bee

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