News / People
Lakers Coach Phil Jackson Fined $35K Before Last Game
Legendary NBA Coach Ends Career on a Sour Note
Jackson was fined for having made some comments on Saturday about the officiating in the Lakers' Western Conference semi-finals series against the Dallas Mavericks.
Jackson complained that officials were allowing players to lift their legs and use their knees to move Lakers forward Pau Gasol out of position.
"I've resisted [saying] this the whole playoffs, but the NBA used to call a 'knee up the a--,' that's what they called it," said Jackson. "You couldn't lift a knee off the floor to run a guy off the post -- they've been doing that every time [against Gasol]. They're taking him out of the post and he can't get a tight post spot. We didn't complain about it against New Orleans, but the Mavs are doing the same damn thing and until the league goes back to the rules that they have about playing post play, Pau's got to move out and face the basket."
On Sunday, the Mavs completed their sweep of the Lakers by defeating them 122-86. Jackson says that this was his last season and notes how his illustrious career as NBA head coach ended on a somewhat sour note.
"I go out with a sour note after being fined $35,000 this morning by the league, so that's not fun having a feeling like I'm being chased down a freeway by them," said Jackson on Sunday. "But, as Richard Nixon says, 'You won't be able to kick this guy around anymore.'"
(Sources: ESPN.com)
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