Van Gundy accepts $25K fine: 'I probably deserve to be penalized'

Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy isn't too steamed about the $25,000 fine he received from the NBA for criticizing officials during his team's Game 1 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He's actually been pretty understanding about it.

"I probably deserve to be penalized for being myself," Van Gundy laughed, when asked for his thoughts on the fine Tuesday. "I got no comments on it."

Van Gundy said in a sideline interview during the game that the referees weren't going to call offensive fouls on LeBron James, because "LeBron's LeBron" and "he gets to do what he wants."

He walked that back a bit after the game, saying the officiating "evened out really well," but that couldn't prevent his wallet being lightened by 25 grand.

"That's a lot of money. That's not a slap on the wrist," Van Gundy said. "A slap on the wrist would have been a reprimand. Putting a reprimand or letter of censure in my file. No, this was a punishment."

It may not be a slap on the wrist, but with the proceeds going to a charity of the NBA's choice, it's a punishment Van Gundy can live with.

"It goes to charity, which is good," he said. "I support most charitable organizations. I don't know which one I just supported, but I'm happy to do it."

He'll be especially happy if his comments prompt a more discerning whistle where James' offensive fouls are concerned.