How much Jason Kidd has to pay in fines after hitting out at referees?
The Dallas coach was hit with a fine for calling officials “terrible” and “unacceptable” in the aftermath of the loss to the Rockets.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has been hit with an eye-watering $35,000 fine by the NBA after an outspoken outburst about game officiating following his team’s latest loss.
The incident came after Dallas’ 111-107 defeat to the Houston Rockets on Saturday night, when Kidd’s frustration boiled over. The coach openly named the officials he felt had mishandled the game and used a profanity, something that is also not allowed.
Officially, the NBA have fined him for “public criticism of the officiating and using profane language during a media interview.”
As to what Kidd actually said, he was referring to a sequence in the final minute when rookie Cooper Flagg drove to the basket and seemingly drew contact that went uncalled.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/XnAJySBHb2
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 2, 2026
“The referees were unacceptable... They were terrible”
“I saw a foul,” Kidd fumed. “[Officials] Sean [Wright], Simone [Jelks] and Jason [Goldenberg] were awful tonight. The referees were unacceptable. It’s a foul, and he needs to be at the free throw line. Now, does he make both? That’s up to the player, but the referees did not do their job. They were terrible.”
Again, Kidd was not as calm as his player: “He’s going to continue to keep going until they blow the whistle,” he added, eyes wide and smoke billowing from his ears like a new Pope had been elected inside his lower intestine. “There’s a lot of fouls missed with this young man. Maybe they just don’t know his game yet, but that’s who he is. He’s going to continue to keep driving. He’s not going to get discouraged. Tonight, he backed up what he did the other night -- put his team in a position to win the game or to tie the game.”
“You guys write that bullsh-t... I know what the f-ck I’m doing”
The statement from the NBA, relayed by league officials, made clear that Kidd’s comments crossed a line. The $35,000 sanction was handed down not just because he criticised the on-court decisions, but because his choice of words violated league rules on public discourse regarding officiating.
Asked about criticism of his roster decisions, Kidd again responded sharply during the same media session, dismissing reporters’ views with colourful language: “Criticism? That’s your opinion. You guys write that bullsh-t,”Kidd said. “I’ve done this. I’ve played this game. I played it. I know what the f-ck I’m doing.”
Jason Kidd on the criticism for playing Cooper Flagg at point guard:
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 1, 2026
"Criticism? That’s your opinion. You guys write that bullsh*t. I’ve played this game. I played it. I know what the fu*k I’m doing.” 😳
(via @GrantAfseth)
pic.twitter.com/rLr6n0M5ae
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Kidd’s comments came at a tense moment for the Mavericks: Dallas have lost four consecutive games and are battling to climb back into contention in a very competitive Western Conference.
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