Carlisle criticizes the NBA! The league allegedly suggested medication for players to compete while injured; spokesperson promptly denies this.

On February 25th Beijing time, Pacers head coach Carlisle openly condemned the NBA on a radio program, explicitly rejecting the NBA's earlier fine imposed on the Pacers.

Before the All-Star Weekend, the Pacers were among the two teams fined by the NBA. The Pacers received a $100,000 fine, and the Jazz were fined $500,000. Commissioner Silver declared that the league felt both teams prioritized draft picks over winning.

The Pacers were penalized for resting Siakam along with two other players in their February 4th game against the Jazz. The league’s statement said that, based on independent medical evaluations, all three players were deemed fit to play (even if for limited minutes). The NBA fined the team for violating the player availability policy and noted that the Pacers could have chosen to rest players in other games to better comply with the rules.

Carlisle said, “I don’t agree with this punishment. An NBA lawyer unilaterally concluded during the investigation that Nesmith, who was injured the night before and couldn’t even hold the ball, was still expected to play — which is absurd. I wasn’t involved in the investigation, but I know the details: we asked if they wanted to talk to our team doctor because the injury was documented by doctors and trainers, and they said no.”

“They only consulted their own doctors, who never examined Nesmith. We also asked if they wanted to speak with the player himself, and again they declined. What shocked me even more was,they even asked if we considered medicating him so he could play injuredwhile we were still 30 wins short of a 50% win rate. I was very surprised and clearly do not agree with that.”

The league’s statement named only Siakam (who missed the game due to “rest”), who meets the star player criteria under the player availability policy. Therefore, even if only Siakam violated the rules, the league could fine a first-time offense team $100,000.

However, the league also determined that the other two starters, Nesmith (with a left hand sprain) and Nembhard (managing back and waist injuries), were healthy enough to play. Carlisle’s remarks directly challenged the basis and accuracy of the league’s judgment.

Subsequently, an NBA spokesperson issued a statement to The Athletic reporter Amick, refuting Carlisle’s description of the Pacers investigation process.

The spokesperson said, “Coach Carlisle’s account of the investigation related to the Pacers’ fine is inaccurate. The medical review was led by independent doctors. Additionally, during the investigation, the Pacers’ general manager and the team’s senior vice president of sports medicine and performance were interviewed. The Pacers confirmed they provided all requested information to the league and indicated there was no need to interview Coach Carlisle or the team doctor further.”