Austin Rivers Reportedly Faces NBA Investigation for Throwing Seat Cushion

Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers' 2015-16 season isn't off to an ideal start. The 23-year-old threw a seat cushion into the stands during Wednesday's 111-104 victory against the Sacramento Kings and is reportedly being investigated by the NBA for the incident.

He was fined $25k, per Dan Woike of the Orange County Register.

Sam Amick of USA Today reported the woman whom Rivers struck with the seat cushion he chucked in the fourth quarter was experiencing optical discomfort. 

Rivers posted a minus-eight net rating in 16 minutes, notching two steals but missing all three of his shots from the field in limited action at Sleep Train Arena.

After failing to live up to his billing as the 10th overall pick in the 2012 draft to start his career in New Orleans, Rivers has shown signs of improvement in Los Angeles. Wednesday evening's unfortunate episode suggests Rivers still has a long way to go before realizing his NBA potential.

Sheridan Hoops' Shlomo Sprung reacted to Thursday's news, alluding to the talented but temperamental makeup of the current squad:   

Clippers head coach Doc Rivers is juggling multiple mercurial personalities on his 2015-16 squad between his son Austin, Lance Stephenson and Josh Smith to name a few. How he handles the situation will go a long way in determining whether Los Angeles is a legitimate contender in the competitive Western Conference.

If Austin Rivers is punished, veteran point guard Pablo Prigioni may well see some minutes after not playing in the season opener.