Anthony Edwards Fined $50,000 for Inappropriate Gesture and Comment During Playoff Game

The NBA has fined Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards $50,000 following an incident during the team’s Game 1 victory against the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Playoffs on Saturday, April 19. The altercation occurred in the third quarter while Edwards was preparing to check into the game. A fan in the crowd appeared to be heckling his teammate, Rudy Gobert, prompting Edwards to react in defense of Gobert. The incident escalated when Edwards made an inappropriate gesture and a lewd remark toward the fan, which was captured on camera.

Edwards Fined $50,000 for Inappropriate Gesture and Comment During Playoff Game

As Edwards was preparing to enter the game, he was seen gesturing toward his groin area and making a vulgar comment in response to the fan’s heckling. The remark, “My d***’s bigger than yours,” was clearly audible and led to the NBA imposing a fine of $50,000 on the player. This incident added to a series of controversies for Edwards, who has had previous run-ins with the league. The fine brings Edwards’ total for the year to $380,000, as he has accumulated fines for swearing during interviews, criticizing officials, and receiving technical fouls during games.

This is not the first time Edwards has found himself in trouble with the NBA. In February, he was handed a one-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul of the season, in accordance with league rules. Although he was close to being suspended again at the end of the regular season for his 18th technical, the league ultimately rescinded that decision. Despite these issues, Edwards maintained a strong performance on the court during the playoffs, finishing Game 1 with 22 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, just shy of a triple-double.

Edwards Faces Paternity Lawsuit, Custody, and Financial Disputes Amid Playoff Run

Off the court, Edwards is also dealing with a paternity lawsuit. He and his ex-partner, Ayesha Howard, welcomed a daughter named Aubri Summers in October 2024. In the same month, Edwards filed a paternity suit requesting a DNA test through a “neutral and licensed laboratory.” While he stated he wasn’t seeking custody or visitation rights, he wanted to resolve financial matters related to the child’s upbringing. In March 2025, it was confirmed through DNA testing that Edwards is Aubri’s biological father.

Recent court documents revealed that Howard had been granted temporary sole custody of Aubri in April, while Edwards sought a hearing in Georgia to establish his child support obligations. Howard’s lawyer stated that she required financial support because she was unemployed and relying on savings and family assistance. Additionally, Howard is seeking reimbursement for pregnancy, birth, and post-birth expenses, as well as attorney fees. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves’ playoff series continues, with the Lakers tying the series at 1-1 after their win on April 23. Game 3 is scheduled for April 25 in Minnesota.