Haynes: Lillard to Avoid Fine Following Criticism of Ref’s Error

Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard will not receive a fine for his pointed criticism of a blown non-call on a goaltending infraction by Jazz center Rudy Gobert. The play in question occurred at the conclusion of the Jazz’s victory over the Blazers on Friday. Lillard, who was visibly upset after the final whistle, directed several comments at the officials in the aftermath of the missed call.

Regardless of those comments, Yahoo Sports NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed that Lillard will not be fined by the NBA for his comments.

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard will not be fined by the league for his postgame remarks and tweets directed at officials following a missed goaltend that resulted in a loss to the Utah Jazz on Friday night, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Lillard was interviewed by the league on Saturday, sources said.

Along with the error made by the officials in the final moments of the contest, the Blazers remain outraged by a play from Royce O’Neale that prevented Anfernee Simons from landing cleanly. Simons exited the game as a result of the play and he is now in the NBA’s concussion protocol.

Haynes elaborated on the Blazers’ continued distaste for the play that removed Simons from the action.

The Trail Blazers are also irate with Jazz swingman Royce O’Neale for what the team considered a “dirty play” for his role in injuring guard Afernee Simons, sources said.

Simons exited the game in the first quarter with a concussion after O’Neale found himself under the airborne guard while he was shooting. Simons landed on the feet of O’Neale, collapsed to the floor and banged the back of his head on the hardwood. He stayed down for several minutes before being escorted to the locker room.

The Blazers return to the court on Sunday to face the Heat. You can read the full story from Haynes at Yahoo Sports.