Hawks' Budenholzer apologizes after $25K fine for bumping official
The NBA hit Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer hard in the bank account following his actions in Saturday night's loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Budenholzer was fined $25,000 by the league for bumping an official after he walked on the court to protest a call.
Budenholzer apologized for the incident Monday night. "Any contact with an official is unacceptable," the third-year head coach said.
Still, the National Basketball Referees Association issued a statement expressing anger over Budenholzer dodging a suspension for his actions.
NBRA head Lee Seham: "Referees operate in environment in which an influential NBA team owner has repeatedly mocked the efficacy of fines..."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) November 23, 2015
Seham: "...as means to change bad behavior....Coaches should compete by creating better teams, not by physically intimidating officials."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) November 23, 2015
The 46-year-old was named Coach of the Year last season after leading the Hawks to their first ever 60-win campaign.