Pacers coach Rick Carlisle says NBA investigator did not speak with team doctors before issuing fine
Rick Carlisle is not accepting the NBA’s recent disciplinary action quietly. The Indiana Pacers head coach publicly criticized the league’s investigative process regarding a $100,000 fine issued for violating the Player Participation Policy, alleging that the decision-makers failed to consult the medical staff who actually treated the players.
Speaking on Indianapolis radio station 107.5 The Fan, Carlisle detailed his frustration with the investigation stemming from a February 3 game against the Utah Jazz. The league determined that the Pacers improperly rested healthy players, including star forward Pascal Siakam and wing Aaron Nesmith, on the second night of a back-to-back. However, Carlisle contends that a "league lawyer" made that determination unilaterally regarding Nesmith, without ever speaking to the team’s physicians or the player himself.
"We asked them if they wanted to talk to the doctors, our doctors about it, because it was something documented by our doctors and trainers," Carlisle said. "They said no, they didn't need to."
Carlisle’s most explosive claim involved the league’s inquiry into pain management. The veteran coach stated that investigators asked if the team had considered "medicating" Nesmith to force him onto the court, a suggestion Carlisle found "shocking" given the team is effectively out of playoff contention, sitting 30 games under .500. He emphasized that Nesmith had been injured the previous night and physically "couldn't hold the ball," making the league's insistence on his availability baffling to the coaching staff.
The NBA quickly issued a rebuttal, labeling Carlisle’s description of the events as "inaccurate." In an official statement, the league asserted that an independent physician led the medical review and that interviews were conducted with the Pacers' General Manager and the Senior Vice President of Sports Medicine. The league further claimed that the Pacers organization itself indicated that an interview with Carlisle or a team physician was unnecessary.
The incident highlights the growing friction between the NBA’s mandate to curb "tanking" and ensure star participation, and the autonomy of teams managing player health during lost seasons. While the Pacers must pay the fine, Carlisle’s comments have cast a sharp spotlight on the specific mechanics of how the league enforces its participation rules.
Speaking on Indianapolis radio station 107.5 The Fan, Carlisle detailed his frustration with the investigation stemming from a February 3 game against the Utah Jazz. The league determined that the Pacers improperly rested healthy players, including star forward Pascal Siakam and wing Aaron Nesmith, on the second night of a back-to-back. However, Carlisle contends that a "league lawyer" made that determination unilaterally regarding Nesmith, without ever speaking to the team’s physicians or the player himself.
"We asked them if they wanted to talk to the doctors, our doctors about it, because it was something documented by our doctors and trainers," Carlisle said. "They said no, they didn't need to."
Carlisle’s most explosive claim involved the league’s inquiry into pain management. The veteran coach stated that investigators asked if the team had considered "medicating" Nesmith to force him onto the court, a suggestion Carlisle found "shocking" given the team is effectively out of playoff contention, sitting 30 games under .500. He emphasized that Nesmith had been injured the previous night and physically "couldn't hold the ball," making the league's insistence on his availability baffling to the coaching staff.
The NBA quickly issued a rebuttal, labeling Carlisle’s description of the events as "inaccurate." In an official statement, the league asserted that an independent physician led the medical review and that interviews were conducted with the Pacers' General Manager and the Senior Vice President of Sports Medicine. The league further claimed that the Pacers organization itself indicated that an interview with Carlisle or a team physician was unnecessary.
The incident highlights the growing friction between the NBA’s mandate to curb "tanking" and ensure star participation, and the autonomy of teams managing player health during lost seasons. While the Pacers must pay the fine, Carlisle’s comments have cast a sharp spotlight on the specific mechanics of how the league enforces its participation rules.
