Rudy Gobert Suspended by NBA After Flagrant Foul

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has been suspended one game by the NBA following a flagrant foul committed during Friday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks. The suspension will cause him to miss Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Sixers.

Incident Details

The flagrant foul occurred in the second quarter when Gobert struck Dallas Mavericks player Marvin Bagley III in the face with his forearm while contesting a rebound. Initially ruled a personal foul, the referees reviewed the play and upgraded it to a flagrant foul, citing an “unnecessary movement” with Gobert’s arm.

Previous Flagrant Foul Points

This suspension comes after Gobert previously served a one-game suspension earlier this season after accumulating six flagrant foul points in January. According to NBA rules, a player is automatically suspended for their next game upon receiving another flagrant foul after exceeding five flagrant foul points. Gobert expressed his hope after Friday’s game that the NBA would overturn the call, describing it as a “simple accident.”

Differing Opinions on the Call

Both Gobert and Timberwolves coach Chris Finch voiced their belief that the 7-foot-1-inch player is held to a different standard by referees. Finch stated that when Gobert is hit in the head or face – a frequent occurrence – it is often dismissed as incidental contact. However, when Gobert initiates contact, it is more likely to be penalized.

Rudy Gobert’s Career Highlights

Rudy Gobert-Bourgarel, born June 26, 1992, is a French professional basketball player currently playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in 2013 and subsequently traded to the Utah Jazz, where he played until 2022. Gobert represents the French national team in international competitions.

He has achieved significant accolades throughout his career, including:

• 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022)
• All-NBA Second Team (2017)
• 3× All-NBA Third Team (2019–2021)
• 4× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2018, 2019, 2021, 2024)
• 7× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2017–2022, 2024)
• NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2025)
• NBA rebounding leader (2022)
• NBA blocks leader (2017)
• French player of the year (2019)

Known as “the Stifle Tower,” Gobert is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NBA history.

Source: Wikipedia – Rudy Gobert