NBA fans have been raging after Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert was fined $100,000 for suggesting the league has a gambling problem.

Having disagreed with a call late in Friday’s 113-104 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the French center made a money gesture at a referee before slamming the impact of betting on the sport.

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The NBA has fined Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert $100,000 for making a money gesture at referees and criticizing them in the loss to the Cleveland CavaliersCredit: Reuters

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Gobert suggested the NBA has a gambling problem in postgame remarksCredit: Getty
Gobert, 31, rubbed his fingers together after being called for his sixth foul while wrestling with Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen under the basket with less than a minute left in the game.

His gesture, implying financial motives behind the ruling, earned him a technical foul that Darius Garland converted to tie things up.

With the Timberwolves’ big man fouled out, Cleveland outscored Minnesota 16-7 in overtime to secure the win.

After the clash, the outspoken Frenchman doubled down on his criticism of the refs.

“I’ll bite the bullet again,” he said.

“I’ll be the bad guy. 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.”

On Sunday, the NBA announced Gobert had been fined $100,000 for an “inappropriate and unprofessional gesture toward a famous official, and publicly criticizing the officiating.”

And fans thought the penalty was excessive.

“100k is outrageous,” one wrote on X.

“Just makes me more skeptical, tbh,” another added.

“100k??? He must’ve been onto something,” a third said.

“I hope he pays it in pennies,” one wrote.

Gobert was slapped with the maximum fine amount an NBA player can receive for detrimental conduct or statements.

The 7-foot-1 center ended the night with seven points and 17 rebounds