Minnesota Timberwolves star, Anthony Edwards, was fined by the NBA in $50K. It happened after a display of frustration turned chaotic during a late-April playoff game. The incident unfolded during the closing moments of Game 5 in the first-round series against the eventual champions, the Denver Nuggets.
Edwards was clearly frustrated by his team’s loss and his missed game-tying shot at the buzzer. He recklessly swung a chair, hitting two individuals in the process. This impulsive act led to legal action, with the Denver Police Department initially citing Edwards for assault.
Due to the collective bargaining agreement and the ongoing criminal investigation, the NBA delayed its review of the incident. However, the league confirmed that the charges against Edwards were subsequently dismissed the previous month. The delay in the league’s action and the subsequent exoneration highlight the complexities surrounding such incidents involving professional athletes.
Despite the chair-swinging incident, Edwards’ basketball journey has continued on an upward trajectory. The young athlete earned his first All-Star nod and recently signed a huge contract extension with the Timberwolves, worth a staggering $260 million. Presently, he is gearing up for the FIBA World Cup as a part of the USA Basketball national team.
Timberwolves on the World Cup
Edwards is not the only Timberwolves representative in the international event. He will be joined by fellow teammates Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kyle Anderson, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who are set to compete for their respective countries. This great talent generation from the Timberwolves shows the team’s diverse and globally impactful roster.
The chair-swinging incident, though marred by controversy, is a chapter in Edwards’ journey that appears to be behind him now. As he prepares to take the court on the international stage, he will undoubtedly be looking to channel his energy and passion into a more positive and productive direction. He can do that leaving behind the frustrations that led to the unfortunate outburst in that playoff game against the Denver Nuggets.
