Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks was fined $25,000 by the NBA for not making himself available for post-game media interviews during the Grizzlies’ first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, NBA executive vice president Joe Dumars announced Sunday.
Brooks was cited for “violating the league’s rules regarding media interview access rules” after failing to appear for post-game interviews following each of the Grizzlies’ losses in Games 3, 4 and 6 in Los Angeles.
Brooks had plenty to say to the media following the Grizzlies’ win in Game 2 of the series. He called out Lakers’ star forward LeBron James after Memphis posted a 103-93 win at home.
“I don’t care – he’s old,” Brooks told reporters following the game. “I poke bears. I don’t respect anyone until they come and give me 40.”
Brooks was ejected seconds into the third quarter after hitting James in the groin area during the Grizzlies’ 111-101 loss in Game 3. The Grizzlies also lost 117-111 in Game 4. Brooks declined to speak to media members following each game.
The Grizzlies won Game 5 at home, but Lakers posted a 125-85 win in Game 6 on Friday to clinch the series 4-2. Brooks didn’t speak to the media following the game.
Brooks struggled on offense in the series, averaging 10.5 points per game while shooting 31% shooting from the field and 24% from behind the arc.