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Giannis Doesn't Want Fine for Criticizing Refs After Game 3: 'Got to Pay for Diapers'
May 7, 2022
The hardships of fatherhood probably won't provide Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo with immunity when he wants to be critical of the officiating.
Following his team's 103-101 win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, Antetokounmpo alluded to issues he had with the referees. However, he said he didn't want to go into specifics because he's "got to pay for diapers":
Bleacher Report @BleacherReport“How much does it cost if I say something, a comment about the refs? Is it $20,000? … I should not do it. I’ll save my money. I’ve got to pay for diapers.”<br><br>Giannis on not getting foul calls after Game 3 😂 <a href="https://t.co/2VT0NWuB4l">pic.twitter.com/2VT0NWuB4l</a>
While Antetokounmpo attempted 12 free throws, the rest of his teammates only went to the charity stripe five combined times. The Celtics, on the other hand, had 34 free-throw attempts and owned a 14-point edge in points from the foul line.
Giannis wasn't the only person who had a bone to pick with the officials, though.
Celtics head coach Ime Udoka thought his players deserved to get a few more calls and told reporters tongue-in-cheek how theatrics might be part of the Game 4 preparation:
Udoka clearly isn't afraid of a potential fine, one that will likely be forthcoming. Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid had to write a $15,000 check to the league office when he aired his opinions on the officiating in the first round.
As Antetokounmpo will be happy to tell you, that kind of money can buy a lot of diapers.