Transcript: NBA Referee Mark Ayotte Comments to Pool Reporter after Hawks – Bulls Game

 March 3, 2019

Pool Reporter Transcript

Crew Chief Mark Ayotte

Postgame – Atlanta Hawks at Chicago Bulls

 NBA Crew Chief Mark Ayotte met with pool reporter K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune after the game between the Hawks and the Bulls tonight. Here is a transcript of that interview.

 

Why did Trae Young receive the first technical foul?

“The first technical foul was given during a dead ball during a timeout for physical contact. Each player made physical contact with each other, so double technical foul on both.”

 

Why did Trae Young receive the second technical foul?

“After he made the jump shot, he stared down his opponent and was issued a taunting technical foul, for his second one and an ejection.”

 

The taunting call is obviously a judgment call. What determines the judgement difference between taunting and celebrating?

“Taunting is directed at an opponent specifically. Celebration is not directed at an opponent.”