Rudy Gobert claims that sports betting affects refereeing / News - Basketnews.com

Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert claimed that sports betting interests are affecting refereeing in the NBA.

Credit: USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix

A serious claim has been made by Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who stated that NBA referees are under the influence of sports betting interests.

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78%18,5Points made:18,5Accuracy:78,5%Place in standings:9Record max:30Record min:6Most made FTs:Anthony EdwardsTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

According to Joe Vardon and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, the center claimed foul play after he was given his sixth foul and a technical foul in a 113-104 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers with merely 27.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.

Gobert had received the technical call because he gestured "money" toward the referees.

While he was highly critical of the referees, Gobert also pointed at himself for failing to keep his composure in the game. The last two calls he received had a direct impact on the game, as he fouled out, and the technical foul shot equalized the score for the trailing Cavaliers.

"My reaction, which I think is truth — it’s what I truly believe — even if it's the truth, it wasn't the time for me to react that way. I should have not done that," said Gobert. "I cost my team the game, and obviously, they couldn't wait to give me a tech. That was bad. That was an immature reaction," he continued.

"I made some mistakes. I airballed a dunk. Mistakes happen. Referees make mistakes, too. But sometimes I think it’s more than mistakes. I think everyone that's in this league knows. I think it’s got to get better," he said with a strong accusation.

The French center is fully aware of the possible ramifications of his words, but he has no problem with being the "bad guyagain that speaks what I think is the truth," as he put it.

"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," he concluded.

This season, the Timberwolves are in second place in the Western Conference. As for Gobert, the center is averaging a double-double of 13.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game.

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