1. Howard Was Accused of Being Crude Towards Fans
2017 is the Year of Fine.
Estimated Total Fine: $35,000*
When Dwight Howard stuck his tongue out at supporters during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017, he was fined $15,000. The NBA wasn’t exactly “happy” about Howard’s tongue-wagging, which apparently had sexual overtones.
Howard Offended by Poking Fun at Fans ©Getty Images/Abbie Parr
The incident sparked a lot of discussion about whether or not players should be allowed to express emotion while playing or if they should just play the game with their heads down. Whatever your stance, it is certain that the NBA does not condone this kind of conduct and that there is a consequence. For Dwight Howard, that cost amounted to $35,000.