Report: NBA Ref Tony Brothers Was Forced to Miss 1 Game for Spencer Dinwiddie Remarks

The NBA sat referee Tony Brothers for one game for calling a Dallas Mavericks player a "b---h ass motherf--ker" during a game.

The NBA didn't announce the decision because it wasn't a formal suspension, according to Stein.

The situation was brought to the attention of the press during the post game press conference. He was whistled for a technical in the second quarter after telling Brothers, "That wasn't a f--king take foul," causing the veteran referee to call him a "b---h ass motherf--ker" in earshot of a teammate.

I apologized to Tony Brothers for what seemed to keep him angry, which was a clap. He didn't think it was nice. If you watch the games, and I know that's what refs are supposed to do, you see I clap to get the attention of my teammates, but it was nothing personal, so as a man, I apologize.

I would like to get my money back, but I would also like to not be called a motherf-ker by my teammates.

Brothers has not commented on the issue.

The NBA handled the matter internally, rather than publicizing a punishment. One of the most senior referees in the NBA is Brothers.

It would make sense that an announcement should have been made for the sake of transparency since NBA player punishments are almost always made public.