Tilman Fertitta fined 25k for commenting on Russell Westbrook deal

Houston Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta was fined $25,000 by the NBA for commenting on the Russell Westbrook deal before it was officially finalized, according to ESPN’s Tim McMahon.

Fertitta made the comments to Fox 26 in Houston, saying:

“We’re excited to have Russell Westbrook. I would watch him play for Oklahoma City, and he’s so athletic. At the same time, this franchise just had the two years with the most wins it’s ever had in consecutive years, and we wouldn’t have accomplished that without Chris Paul. Chris Paul is unbelievable, and he’s gonna be sadly missed.”

It’s definitely a rookie mistake by the Fertitta, but with the league essentially turning a blind eye to all types of blatant tampering during the free agency season, it’s curious that they decided to crack down after these relatively innocuous comments by Fertitta.

It’s more likely to create the illusion that they’re actually doing something, when we all know teams tamper repeatedly during the offseason with no consequence.

The NBA was in fine-happy mood yesterday, apparently. As Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was fined $50,000 for leaking Board of Governors meeting information to a reporter.