Archives

Friday, February 13, 2026
HomeDallas MavericksDallas Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd Fined $35,000 For Public Criticism Of Officiating, Profane Language
Dallas MavericksNBA

Dallas Mavericks Coach Jason Kidd Fined $35,000 For Public Criticism Of Officiating, Profane Language

Grant AfsethGrant Afseth
NBA: Jason Kidd looks on from the sideline during the Dallas Mavericks’ game against the Golden State Warriors at American Airlines Center
Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images

Jason Kidd has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for public criticism of officiating and the use of profane language during a postgame media interview, the league announced Monday. The fine stems from Kidd’s comments following the Dallas Mavericks’ 111-107 loss to the Houston Rockets on Jan. 31 at Toyota Center.

The announcement was made by James Jones, Executive Vice President and Head of Basketball Operations. According to the NBA, the discipline addressed two separate elements of Kidd’s postgame availability: his public criticism of game officials and a profanity-laced response to national scrutiny surrounding how Dallas has used rookie Cooper Flagg.

Jason Kidd Criticizes Officiating After Late No-Call

Kidd first voiced frustration with officiating after a late fourth-quarter possession in which Flagg drove to the basket with a chance to tie the game and did not draw a whistle.

“I saw a foul,” Kidd said. “He drives the ball. He gets slapped. It’s a foul. If it was the other way, it would be a foul. Just being consistent and tonight the referees were not consistent.”

Kidd later escalated his criticism by naming the officials involved in the play.

“(Referees) Sean (Wright), Jason (Goldenberg) and Simone (Jelks) were awful tonight,” Kidd said. “That was unacceptable. It’s a foul. Now, does he make both? That’s up to the players. But the referees did not do their job tonight.”

Flagg, who missed the contested layup and fell to the floor, acknowledged contact on the play but did not echo Kidd’s frustration.

“Definitely felt some contact,” Flagg said. “But at the end of the day, it’s the refs who are making the calls. It is what it is.”

Jason Kidd Responds Bluntly To National Criticism

In the same media session, Kidd was asked about national criticism regarding Dallas’ decision to use Flagg as a primary ball handler late in games. His response was direct and profane.

“Criticism? That’s your opinion. You guys write that bullshit. That’s not — I’ve done this. I’ve played this game. I played it. I know what the fuck I’m doing,” Kidd said.

“I don’t give a fuck what you guys write because you guys have never played the game. I build players, so I know what the fuck I’m doing. So if I take criticism, it only makes me better, because if I wasn’t doing it right, you guys wouldn’t be poking holes in what I’ve done.”

The NBA cited both Kidd’s criticism of officiating and his use of profanity as the basis for the $35,000 fine.

Fine Comes Amid Development-Focused Season

The comments came as Dallas dropped its fourth straight game and continued navigating close losses while emphasizing player development.

Flagg has averaged 19.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists through 45 games this season. Over his last two outings, he scored 49 points against Charlotte and followed it with 34 points and 12 rebounds against Houston, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record back-to-back 30-point double-doubles.

Despite the fine, Kidd’s remarks reflected a consistent internal stance. The Mavericks have continued to prioritize long-term development and late-game experience for their rookie centerpiece, even as results have lagged in the standings.

The NBA fine does not carry any additional disciplinary action beyond the monetary penalty.

Latest Dallas Mavericks News & NBA Rumors

Tags :Cooper FlaggDallas MavericksHouston RocketsJason KiddJason Kidd FineNBANBA FinesNBA News
Grant Afseth

Grant Afseth

Senior Writer
Grant Afseth is a Senior Writer for DallasHoopsJournal.com, where he leads in-depth coverage of the Mavericks, Wings, and more. Between a focus on the latest news, closer looks at games, front office strategy, and more, Afseth provides objective coverage. Afseth contributes broader NBA coverage across platforms and has been cited in national outlets for his reporting and analysis. With nearly a decade of journalism experience, Afseth has covered the NBA and WNBA for multiple major outlets, including Athlon Sports, BallIsLife, Sportskeeda, and RG.org. He previously reported on the Indiana Pacers for CNHI’s Kokomo Tribune and the Mavericks for FanNation.
view all posts

You Might Also Like