DeMar DeRozan Fined $25K for Officiating Remarks After Nuggets Loss

NEW YORK – Sacramento Kings guard-forward DeMar DeRozan has been fined $25,000 for publicly criticizing the officiating after a loss to the Denver Nuggets, the NBA announced on March 7, 2025.

DeRozan’s remarks came following the Kings’ 116-110 defeat on March 5 at Ball Arena in Denver. After the game, he expressed frustration with the officials, suggesting that missed calls disrupted his team’s rhythm.

“We’ve got to do a better job of executing,” DeRozan said. “There were multiple calls missed. Check the free-throw difference. There were times we got hit and smacked, but nothing was called. It throws off our rhythm and gives them momentum.”

In a standout performance, DeRozan scored 35 points and recorded six rebounds in the game, despite the loss. This incident marks the latest in a series of fines handed down for public criticism of officiating, which is part of the NBA’s policy on player comments regarding referees.

“The refs were terrible. Terrible as sh*t. It’s as simple as that,” DeRozan added in a later comment to the media.

Currently, the Kings are sitting ninth in the Western Conference standings with a record of 32-29. DeRozan is averaging 22.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists this season, significantly contributing to the team’s playoff aspirations.

Doug Christie, the interim head coach of the Kings, shared his sentiments post-game, reflecting the emotional weight of the loss. “This one’s going to hurt. But this is our league, and we got to deal with it,” Christie said.

DeRozan, the ninth overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, has had an impressive career, playing for teams like the Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, and Chicago Bulls. He reached the Eastern Conference finals in 2016 and has made six All-Star appearances throughout his career.

The Kings are set to face the San Antonio Spurs at home on March 9 in a critical matchup as they continue their pursuit of a playoff spot.