'Let's Dance': Oklahoma City Thunder's Jalen Williams fined $39k for what was under his jacket
The NBA has fined Oklahoma City Thunder all-star Jalen Williams $38,725 AUD for wearing clothing with profane language during a post game media session, the league announced Tuesday morning (Australian time).
Williams’ actions came Sunday after the Thunder’s 125-93 victory over the Denver Nuggets in game seven of their conference semi finals playoff series.
The press conference began with Williams wearing a white T-shirt that said, "F--k Art, Let's Dance."
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Several moments into the session, Williams put on a black jacket to cover the shirt.
Williams did not use profanity when speaking to reporters, but was fined for the words in red on his shirt all the same.
Williams scored 24 points to help the Thunder advance to the Western Conference finals.
Williams was a first-time All Star this season.
He averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists during the regular season for the Thunder, who finished with a league-best 68-14 record.
This fine is the biggest Williams has ever received, per Spotrac.
His other five fines have been just over $3,000 AUD each for technical fouls.
It is unusual for the league to fine players over their choice of clothing, the closest precedent would be the time a player in 2022 was warned by the league to change the colour of his shirt on the sideline.
But Williams copped the rogue fine from the NBA for actual uncensored profanity on his shirt, which led the league to raise the fine to the Oklahoma City Thunder All Star.
The Oklahoma City Thunder will begin the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday morning when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves in game one.
