NBA: Pacers forward George fined $15K for kicking ball into crowd

Paul George #13 of the Indiana Pacers reacts to a call during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on November 7, 2016, in Charlotte, North Carolina. AFP

NEW YORK, United States — Indiana Pacers forward Paul George was fined $15,000 by the NBA on Tuesday for kicking the ball into the stands in a home victory over the Chicago Bulls.

The incident, which brought George a technical foul and ejection, took place with 1:42 remaining in the third quarter of Indiana’s 111-94 triumph on Saturday.

George, who scored 13 points, apologized for his actions and said after the game he expected to be fined.

“I am grateful that my ejection didn’t cost us a loss,” George said. “I am sure I will be fined.”

George, a member of the US gold medal squad at the Rio Olympics, later sent a woman who was struck by the ball an apology note and flowers.

George, 26, is averaging 20.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists a game for the Pacers, who are off to a 3-4 start this season. CBB