fred vanvleet altercation referee

Former Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet goes viral after altercation with refs

Ex-Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet may be in some hot water after getting into a fiery verbal altercation with a crew of NBA officials on Saturday night.

During the end of a game between the Houston Rockets and Portland Trailblazers, the 30-year-old VanVleet was ejected from the game after he pointed to each of the officials and said something. The altercation was apparently due to the ex-Raptor thinking he had been fouled on the previous play.

After getting ejected, things came close to becoming physical as VanVleet continued to verbally spar with one of the officials and nearly touched one ref's face as he was pointing.

"I think I'm in enough trouble as it is tonight, so I probably don't need to discuss too much officiating with you guys," VanVleet reportedly said after the game, according to The Athletic's Kelly Iko. 

"Heat of the moment, you always feel right — I know the refs aren't trying to be wrong but we disagreed quite a bit tonight."

This type of altercation with the officials on the court is sure to result in some sort of supplementary discipline for VanVleet. This wouldn't be the first time that he would be punished for letting his thoughts be known about the officiating of an NBA game.

Back in March of 2023, while a member of the Raptors, VanVleet let loose an expletive-filled post-game rant about the officials following a loss to the LA Clippers. The NBA fined him $30,000 for that particular outburst.

NBA fans were sure to share their thoughts on this current situation on social media.

It's become a staple of VanVleet's fiery personality over the years to call out the refs. He is enjoying a good start to the NBA season with the Rockets as the team currently sits third in the Western Conference with a 12-6 record. The only teams better in the West are the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Golden State Warriors.

No official suspension or fine has been announced for VanVleet, but it would not be surprising to see one come across in the next day or so.

Lead photo by

Thomas Shea-Imagn Images


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