Rudy Gobert Shows Money Sign, Believes NBA Refs Are Getting Paid Off: 'I'll Be The Bad Guy'

NBA referees have gotten so bad that even the players are openly calling them out.

Last night, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert was immediately ejected after being called for a foul right before the end of regulation and giving the money finger sign to referee Scott Foster.

Here's a closeup of Gobert's money hand gesture that earned him an ejection from the game and DEFINITELY some sort of fine.

RUDY GOBERT SAID WHAT EVERY SPORTS FAN HAS BEEN THINKING

Foster's call on Gobert was a game-changing one as the Wolves were up 97-96 before the game eventually went into overtime and Minnesota lost to the Cavs.

In one single moment, Gobert not only summarized but has now set the standard for what both fans and players have always thought and talked about behind the scenes - something shady seems to be going on at times with officials and referees' bizarre calls these days.

The best part was afterwards when Gobert didn't give a damn about the likely fine that he'd have to pay for criticizing the referees. 

"I'll be the bad guy. I'll take the fine, but I think it's hurting our game. I know the betting and all that is becoming bigger and bigger, but it shouldn't feel that way," the star center said.

NBA referee Scott Foster was accused by Rudy Gobert of being paid off for some of the calls he made during the game. Gobert was ejected after making a money hand gesture towards Foster. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

GOBERT NOT BACKING DOWN FROM COMMENTS

And as any sports fan has noticed in recent years, it's not like some of these calls are close ones and could go either way. Many of them are so egregious that something seems to be going on - even from sheer perception alone.

When you add the fact that sports betting - which used to be so shunned and only talked about in back alleys and by your shady cousin who doesn't come to Thanksgiving dinner anymore is now SO prevalent in sports these days - Gobert's gesture may actually make some sense.

"It's not just one call," he said. "Everyone makes mistakes. But when it's throughout the whole game and it's over and over and over that things are weirdly officiated. Obviously, my reaction - which I think is the truth I truly believe - and even if it is the truth, I think it wasn't the time for me to react that way."

Hot seat: Referees and Officials.

The question is of course - will anything actually be done or will the leagues look the other way, continue to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in adveretising dollars from the various sportsbooks and never admit that the integrity of the game may be compromised at times?

What do you think? - Let me know. Email me: Michael.Gunzelman@Outkick.com