Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul looks on against the Toronto Raptors during the first half on an NBA basketball game, Friday, Feb. 6, 2015 in Toronto. (AP Photo/Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)
The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) - Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul has been fined $25,000 for criticizing a female official after a loss at Cleveland.
The NBA announced the fine on Saturday. Paul was given a technical by rookie referee Lauren Holtkamp on Thursday night in the third quarter of a 105-94 loss to the Cavaliers, a game that featured five technicals against the Clippers.
After the game, Paul called the technical on an inbounds play "ridiculous" and said "this might not be for her." Holtkamp is one of two female officials in the NBA.
Paul appeared to say something to her as he waited for an inbound pass after a Cavaliers' free throw. Paul said Friday that he was only upset with the call.
The penalty is in line with others the NBA has levied for criticism of officials.
FILE - In this Jan. 9. 2015, file photo, referee Lauren Holtkamp makes a call during an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Orlando Magic in Los Angeles. Clippers guard Chris Paul was critical of Holtkamp following the Clippers' 105-94 loss to the Cavaliers on Thursday night, Feb. 5, 2015 Paul was assessed a technical foul in the third quarter by Holtkamp, who worked with officials Ken Mauer and Eric Lewis. Los Angeles was given five technicals--four in the third quarter, three of them in a 52-second span. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)
The Associated Press
Los Angeles Clippersâ Chris Paul (3) and Cleveland Cavaliers' Kyrie Irving (2) battle for a loose ball during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
The Associated Press