Some basketball fans are fond of calling clutch players "cold-blooded killers." The NBA, however, does not appear to be fond of associating murderous imagery with basketball.
On Friday, the league announced it fined Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade $25,000 for making a throat-slashing gesture late in the Bulls' 105-99 win over the Boston Celtics in Chicago Thursday night.
Wade made the aggressive sign after hitting a game-sealing, step-back 3-pointer with 26 seconds to go. The Bulls were up 101-99; the dagger put them up 104-99.
The motion clearly implied, I have killed the Celtics' chances of winning this game.
It was Wade's first game in his hometown of Chicago since he signed with the Bulls this offseason. After the big W Thursday, Wade tweeted out an apology.
I wanna apologize to my young fans on my gesture at the end of last nights game. I was caught up in the emotions of my first game at home.
Speaking with reporters after the game, Wade called it an "out-of-body experience." While the gesture may have offended some folks, it did not seem to be too malicious, and Wade has been a stand-up guy throughout his career.
Kevin Durant was fined for doing basically the same thing in 2013, so at least the league has been consistent. Take notes, NFL.
