Rick Carlisle can’t digest the $100,000 fine imposed on the Pacers

The NBA has tightened its “player participation” policy in recent seasons, with a clear goal: to encourage franchises to field their best players as often as possible. An orientation that also responds to economic issues, while the league wants to limit the absence of stars on the floor as much as possible.

In this context, the NBA does not hesitate to sanction teams found to be in violation. After Jazz, already sentenced to a heavy fine of $500,000 as part of the less discreet “tanking”, Pacers were also affected: Indiana was fined $100,000 for player participation violations.

The league therefore criticized the franchise for going to rest Pascal Siakamas well as two other holders, incl Aaron Nesmithfor the duel against Utah.

Rick Carlisle challenges NBA procedure

While on the radio, Rick Carlisle couldn’t hide his disagreement with the league’s decision, especially regarding Aaron Nesmith. According to the Pacers coach, the wing was indeed diminished, and his presence on the court could have aggravated his injury. The coach also criticized the way the assessment was conducted.

“I didn’t agree with that”, he explained. “The league attorney conducting the interview unilaterally decided that Aaron Nesmith, who was injured the day before and couldn’t handle the ball, should have played. That just seems ridiculous to me.”

Rick Carlisle then detailed what he considers a questionable process, confirming that the Pacers have suggested to the NBA that they talk to their doctors and the player without it being deemed necessary.

“We asked them if they wanted to talk to our doctors, because all of this was documented by our medical staff. They said no. We asked them if they wanted to talk to the player, and they said no.”he continued. “I was shocked. During the interview, I was also asked if we thought about giving him medication to help him play… I was very surprised. This is the first time I have talked about it in detail.”

The league denies it

In the process, the NBA responded with a press release disputing the Pacers coach’s presentation.

The league assures that the medical examination was performed by an independent physician and specifies that several Indiana officials were consulted during the procedure.

“An independent physician performed a physical. In addition, the Pacers general manager and the team’s senior vice president of sports medicine and performance were interviewed as part of this process.”points to the NBA. “The Pacers have confirmed that they have provided all the information requested by the league and the team has indicated that it is not necessary to interview the coach or any member of the medical staff.”

A public dissent that in any case illustrates the growing tension over the NBA’s participation policy, which franchises are increasingly monitoring as sanctions multiply.