Carlisle: NBA did not speak with team doctors before $100K fine - ESPN
ESPN
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Indiana Pacers' coach Rick Carlisle has criticized the NBA's fine process after the league imposed a $100,000 penalty on the team for violating player participation rules during a game involving injured player Aaron Nesmith. Carlisle claimed that the NBA investigators did not consult with the team's doctors or players before issuing the fine, which he described as "shocking" and "ridiculous." He emphasized that the Pacers had provided all necessary documentation from their medical staff regarding Nesmith's condition but were told by the league that it was unnecessary. Carlisle also questioned whether the NBA considered the team's poor performance (30 games under .500) when deciding to impose the fine.
In response, the NBA stated that an independent physician led the medical review and that interviews with the Pacers' general manager and sports medicine staff were conducted as part of the process. The league also noted that Carlisle or a team physician were not required for the interview process. This disagreement highlights the tension between team management and league oversight in enforcing player participation policies.
Carlisle's comments raise questions about transparency and fairness in the NBA's disciplinary process. His frustration reflects broader concerns about how leagues balance player safety with competitive integrity, especially when teams are already struggling on the court. The Pacers' coach, who has a long history in the NBA as both a player and a coach, including winning championships with the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, and being named Coach of the Year, brings credibility to his critique.
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/25/2026