1.Tyrus Thomas claims there is no fee to enter the Dunk Contest.

The year 2007 was fine.
Estimated Total Fine: $10,000*
Tyrus Thomas, a former NBA player, was fined $10,000 for saying that the NBA dunk contest was “free money.” When questioned about the dunk contest in a 2007 post-game interview, Thomas said, “It’s free money.”

Tyrus Thomas claims there’s free money in the Dunk Contest. ©Getty Images/SStreeter Lecka
The league took offense to his words, believing them to be demeaning to the competition and damaging to the NBA’s reputation. As a result, Thomas was fined and informed that his actions would not be accepted.