In an interview with Mike Destefano for a Complex cover story, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said that he's taking into account the several fines he's received for cursing during and around NBA games.
In the 24-25 NBA season, Edwards has accrued several fines for his conduct at games. He was hit with a $35,000 fine for flipping the bird during a game, $100,000 for saying "I don't do overtime, so fuck it" in a live television interview following a game, $75,000 for criticizing officials, and $25,000 for saying "fucking" and "bitch" in another postgame interview. Even after all of those fines, he was hit with another $50,000 fine last month when he flipped his middle finger at an official.
"That's my money being taken," said Edwards, who is working harder to be more mindful of his language and conduct in and around NBA games. "I'm definitely thinking about it." It's no surprise that he's taking it seriously considering the fines this season have reached a total of $285,000. It's nothing to scoff at, even if he will earn $42.2 million this season.
Elsewhere in the interview, Edwards addressed criticism from NBA fans who think players shoot too many three-pointers. "What they want us to do? It's four people in the paint," Edwards said. "If they leaving us open for the three ball, I think that's just taking what the game give you."
He highlighted players such as Victor Wembanyama as a key factor for the changing nature of the game. "You got Wemby. You got these boys. They tall. They big. They blocking shots, man," he added. "We not forcing our way to the paint every time. So, everybody can think what they want to think, but I just feel like the game changes. Guys want to shoot threes and guys are good at it. The viewership is down. I don't know what they got to do, lower the rim or something?"