By ,
Published November 20, 2014
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson was warned he would be boosting charity coffers even further if there was any repeat of the outbursts which landed him $70,000 in fines this month.
Ten-times NBA championship coach Jackson was fined $35,000 for the second time in as many weeks on Thursday for publicly criticizing game officials.
"Actually it's good for the petty cash fund for the office," NBA Commissioner David Stern joked in an interview with ESPN radio. "I think it's all part of the playoffs and it's a little silly.
"But if he wants to support charities, he'll keep supporting it -- although his contributions will continue to increase."
Jackson was fined after telling reporters that forward Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma Thunder, the Lakers' first-round playoff opponent, drew more than his share of foul calls from the referees.
He was also fined $35,000 earlier in April after criticizing referees for calling fouls on Lakers forward Ron Artest.
The Lakers open their series on Sunday against Oklahoma and the 2.06 meter tall (6-foot-9) Durant, who led the NBA in scoring with a 30.1 average.
(Reporting by Larry Fine, editing by Pritha Sarkar; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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