NBA Star Edwards Fined Rs. 42.6 Lakhs for Obscene Gesture at Fans – Why No Action Against Virat Kohli in IPL?
In a shocking turn of events, Anthony Edwards , the star player of the Minnesota Timberwolves , has been fined a whopping Rs. 42.6 lakhs (USD 50,000) by the NBA administration for making an obscene gesture and using abusive language toward fans during a playoff game. This incident has sparked debates about player conduct in sports leagues worldwide, especially when compared to similar actions by players like Virat Kohli in the IPL , where no action seems to be taken.
Let’s break down what happened, why Edwards was fined, and how this compares to incidents in other sports like cricket.
What Happened During the NBA Playoff Game?
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Los Angeles Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Result | Minnesota Timberwolves won 117-95 |
| Incident | Fan heckled Rudy Gobert; Edwards retaliated with obscene gestures and words |
| Fine Imposed | Rs. 42.6 lakhs (USD 50,000) |
During the game, a fan heckled Rudy Gobert , Edwards’ teammate. In response, Edwards not only confronted the fan but also used abusive language and made an obscene gesture. The video of the incident went viral on social media, prompting the NBA to impose a hefty fine.
The NBA has handed Anthony Edwards a $50K fine for his “My d*** is bigger than yours” remark to a Lakers fan 😅
(via @ShamsCharania)pic.twitter.com/nl7tNAaMen
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 22, 2025
Edwards’ History of Fines This Season
Edwards has had a rough season off the court, racking up multiple fines for his behavior. Here’s a summary of his disciplinary record:
| Reason for Fine | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Using abusive words at fans | 42.6 lakhs |
| Arguing with referees | 35.5 lakhs |
| Clashing with opposing players | 53.2 lakhs |
| Using bad language in interviews | 28.4 lakhs |
| Total Fines This Season | 2.73 crores |
With fines totaling Rs. 2.73 crores , Edwards has become one of the most penalized players in the NBA this season. His repeated offenses have left fans questioning whether stricter measures are needed to curb such behavior.
Comparing Edwards’ Incident to Virat Kohli’s Actions in IPL
While the NBA takes swift action against misconduct, incidents in the IPL involving players like Virat Kohli often go unpunished. For instance:
- Obscene Gestures and Words :
- Kohli has occasionally made obscene gestures or exchanged heated words with fans and opposing players, including a recent joke aimed at Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer .
- No Action Taken :
- Despite these incidents being widely discussed, there has been no official action or fines imposed on Kohli by the IPL administration.
This contrast between the NBA and IPL raises important questions:
- Why is the NBA stricter than the IPL?
- Should the IPL adopt similar disciplinary measures to maintain sportsmanship?
Fan Reactions to Edwards’ Fine
Here’s what fans are saying about Edwards’ latest fine and his behavior:
| Fan Reaction | Vote Count |
|---|---|
| “The NBA is right to punish Edwards—he needs to learn discipline.” | 60% |
| “Why isn’t the IPL taking action against Kohli? Double standards!” | 30% |
| “Edwards is talented, but his behavior is ruining his reputation.” | 10% |
A majority of fans (60%) support the NBA’s decision to fine Edwards, while others criticize the IPL for its lack of action against similar behavior by players like Kohli.
Final Thoughts
Anthony Edwards’ fine of Rs. 42.6 lakhs (USD 50,000) serves as a reminder that even the biggest stars must adhere to a code of conduct. While his talent on the court is undeniable, his off court behavior continues to tarnish his image.
On the other hand, the lack of action against players like Virat Kohli in the IPL highlights inconsistencies in how different sports leagues handle misconduct. Will the IPL take a firmer stance in the future? Only time will tell.
For now, Edwards’ story is a cautionary tale for athletes everywhere success comes with responsibility, both on and off the field.
