Mavericks' Kidd fined $35K following media outburst

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd was fined $35,000 for "public criticism of the officiating and using profane language during a media interview," the NBA announced Monday.

Following Saturday's 111-107 road loss to the Houston Rockets, Kidd criticized referees for not calling a foul on rookie Cooper Flagg during a crucial late-game drive to the basket.

"I saw a foul," Kidd said. "(Officials) Sean (Wright), Simone (Jelks), and Jason (Goldenberg) were awful tonight. The referees were unacceptable. It's a foul, and he needs to be at the free-throw line. Now, does he make both? That's up to the player, but the referees did not do their job. They were terrible."

Kidd also expressed his frustration with the media's criticism of his decision to play Flagg at point guard this season.

"I don't give a f--k what you guys write because you guys have never played the game," Kidd said. "I build players, so I know what the f--k I'm doing. So if I take criticism, it only makes me better, because if I wasn't doing it right, you guys wouldn't be poking holes in what I've done."

The Mavericks enter Tuesday's game against the Boston Celtics with a 19-30 record.