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[Saba Sports News] Bennedict Mathurin has been suspended by the NBA for his actions during Tuesday night’s game.
The league announced Wednesday that the Indiana Pacers swingman will serve a one-game suspension without pay for “making inappropriate contact with and verbally abusing a game official” during the Pacers’ loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The incident occurred late in the fourth quarter when Mathurin was called for a foul on Cleveland’s Evan Mobley in transition. Frustrated with the call, Mathurin clapped his hands in protest, which prompted referee Natalie Sago to blow the whistle. Mathurin then bumped Sago from behind and directed profane language at her. He was immediately assessed a technical foul—his second of the night—and ejected from the game.
Mathurin, the No. 6 overall pick in 2022, is averaging 16.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game this season. The Pacers ultimately fell to the Cavaliers 127-117.
The 22-year-old will serve his suspension Thursday against the Detroit Pistons. The NBA maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding contact with referees, even enforcing suspensions during critical playoff games in the past.