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[Saba Sports News] The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert $100,000 for taunting an official with a money gesture, but Charles Barkley feels this wasn’t sufficient. On “Inside the NBA,” Barkley argued for a harsher penalty, suggesting suspension to uphold the sport’s integrity.
He emphasized the critical importance of maintaining public trust in the sport’s fairness, referencing past controversies like Tim Donaghy’s betting scandal. While acknowledging the NBA’s ongoing battle with credibility, particularly with its association with gambling, Barkley maintained that actions like Gobert’s threaten the league’s integrity.
Shaquille O’Neal disagreed, considering suspension too severe, but Barkley stood firm on his stance, highlighting the importance of preserving the game’s reputation, although he recognized that suspending Gobert might be an extreme reaction.