Not the best night for Fred VanVleet. Well, not just from the Houston Rocket’s point of view. It was the point guard’s frustration that made more headlines. Well, losing is a different story but to react in a certain unpleasant way is another story. And VanVleet was the ‘hero’ of the other story vs. the Portland Trail Blazers.

Fred VanVleet was ejected late in their 104-98 loss to Portland on Saturday night after confronting the referee over a technical foul. Upset with the call, the guard approached the official, but the situation escalated when VanVleet fired an expletive and flipped off the referee. The incident, reminiscent of a Kelly Oubre-esque rant, drew scrutiny from league higher-ups. Fortunately for VanVleet, Ime Udoka confirmed he narrowly avoided suspension despite the controversy.

However, the Rockets star has now been handed a hefty fine of $50K, the NBA’s Joe Dumars announced. Of course, Fred VanVleet’s anger led to an absolute breach of the code of conduct. Therefore, now he’s facing the consequences for the same.

Moreover, VanVleet has owned his slip and expressed his regrets over his actions. However, it’s the fans who are firing at Adam Silver for being lenient towards the 30YO point guard.

Fans weigh in as Fred VanVleet’s ‘mild’ consequence following the profanity

Well, surprisingly the NBA has been a bit too kind towards Fred VanVleet. His actions were unacceptable to the tee. However, it looks like charging at the referee could become a new normal following the $50K consequence. Therefore a fan bluntly pointed out: “More players going to be slapping refs. Fanduel put up the line because I’m betting.” In the most unfortunate turn of events, if this ever happens, the NBA will mark it as a ‘black day’ in its history.

A fan reminded everyone that the Charlotte Hornets’ star, LaMelo Ball, was fined double the amount of Fred VanVleet for his recent slip. The 23-year-old Ball let his intrusive thoughts take over while speaking to the media, resulting in a $100K fine. So, we have to say, the authorities have been truly kind towards the Houston Rockets star.

Reports and statements suggest that the referee might have been at fault. They found that a defender stood directly in Fred VanVleet’s path as he moved toward the basket, and there was contact between the two players. The referee should have called a foul, but no shot would have been awarded on the play. So, why did Fred receive a technical foul? It was for his vulgar language and gesture toward the three officials.

No suspension for Fred VanVleet? It’s shocking. After his outburst against the referees, many expected a harsher penalty. He confronted the officials, dropped an expletive, and flipped them off. Despite the controversy, the NBA let him off with a $50K fine. Coach Ime Udoka confirmed he narrowly avoided suspension.

Another fan simply called the whole fining episode a “Scamm” (with an extra m). Well, it simply shows how frustrated they are with the way the NBA is treating this grave matter. Simply put, the fan implies the league and the ethics body are scamming the viewers into believing that they are taking strict measures in cases like that of Fred VanVleet. But, are they truly?

“I thought Adam silver was bout to give him the craziest fine ever ts weak.” Fans expected Adam Silver to hit Fred VanVleet with a massive fine for his outburst, but instead, he got off with just $50K. Many thought the NBA would come down hard, giving him the craziest fine ever. Instead, they delivered a weak consequence. This has fans fired up, questioning if the league is too lenient.

So, amidst fan’s anger, how will Adam Silver & Co. cope with the backlash? Fred VanVleet has already expressed his guilt. However, that wouldn’t be enough to convince the fans that the same won’t happen again in the future.