3. Danny Ainge Towels It In

Year of fine: 2010
Estimated total fine: $25,000*;
The two-time NBA champion Danny Ainge, a legend of the Boston Celtics, never understood what it meant to give up during his playing career. After retiring, Ainge brought that winning mentality with him to his new role as President of Basketball Operations for the Celtics. Whether on purpose or not, Ainge’s competitiveness cost him $25,000 in a 2010 playoff game against the Cavaliers.

Danny Ainge Does a Towel Flip, Copyright Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Danny Ainge was penalized for creating “an unauthorized distraction for conduct detrimental to the game” after he threw a towel into the air while a Cavaliers player was attempting his second of two free throws. Throwing towels is another behavior that can result in fines.