Basketball: Lakers coach fined for slating officials

NEW YORK - Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson was fined US$25,000 ($37,335) by the National Basketball Association today for criticising officials.

Jackson made comments to several newspaper reporters about the referees after the Lakers' 114-108 loss to the Utah Jazz last Friday, openly slating Derrick Stafford, Derek Richardson and Leroy Richardson.

Jackson complained to the reporters about fouls called to 19-year-old centre Andrew Bynum.

"The league throws out some referee corps that you're dubious about to start with and, you know, the game ends up to be like that," Jackson was quoted as saying.

The game was a rough affair, with both teams being called for 26 fouls.

- REUTERS