Memphis business vows to pay Coach David Fizdale’s fine

Memphis Grizzlies coach David Fizdale had some words for officials after a Game 2 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Now a company vows to cover any fine.

Press conferences can be entertaining, never knowing how coaches or players will respond to the game they just played. In what is now a classic rant, Coach David Fizdale of the Memphis Grizzlies let loose on officials. His team fell to the San Antonio Spurs, 96-82. Fizdale’s issue was the disparity of fouls.

In the game, the Spurs attempted 32 free throws, 17 more than that of the Grizzlies. Officials called only 13 fouls against Coach Gregg Popovich’s crew, but 22 on Memphis, including two technicals. This drew the ire of first-year coach Fizdale.

In all probability, a fine will be coming the way of Coach Fizdale — possibly a hefty one. There is precedent for it, too. In 2013, former New York Knicks coach Mike Woodson was fined $25,000 for ranting against referees while on a radio interview. Earlier this season, Indiana Pacers coach Nate McMillen as well as players Paul George and Myles Turner were fined for their public comments on how officials handled the team’s loss to the Chicago Bulls.

However, Coach Fizdale has nothing to worry about. There will be no need to reach down into this pockets and pull out funds to cover the potential fine. Service Master, a Memphis-based corporation, took to Twitter to step up and offer to pay whatever fine may come.

Next: Are the San Antonio Spurs title contenders?

Strong support of the Grizzlies from their city. And, data is showing it is only growing. The hashtag #TakeThatForData is now a rallying cry for Memphis fans. But, the only data they truly need is the series score. Right now, that stands at two win for the Spurs, none for the Grizzlies.