Transcript: NBA Referee Brian Forte Comment to Pool Reporter after Trail Blazers-Kings Game

December 20, 2016

Pool Reporter Transcript

Referee Brian Forte

Postgame – Portland Trail Blazers at Sacramento Kings, December 20, 2016

 

NBA referee Brian Forte met with pool reporter Mike Richman of the Oregonian after the game between the Trail Blazers and Kings in Sacramento tonight. Here is the transcript of that interview:

 

Question: What was the initial call on [DeMarcus] Cousins when he was issued his 2nd technical?

Forte: “I called a technical foul because I thought DeMarcus [Cousins] threw his mouthpiece into the stands when it ended up underneath Portland’s bench.”

Question: Why was it rescinded?

Forte: “I conferred with my partners and they confirmed that he did not throw the mouthpiece and that it came out of his mouth and that’s how it ended up there.”

Question: Did you consult video in that instance?

Forte: “It is not a reviewable matter.”

Question: Just a huddle between you three [officials]?

Forte: “Correct.”

Question: It was Portland who initiated the technical?

Forte: “No, it was my decision”