Nets' Kidd fined $20,000

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NEW YORK, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- New Jersey guard Jason Kidd was fined $20,000 for calling an NBA officiating crew "three blind mice."

The NBA ordered the fine Wednesday, one day after Kidd criticized referees Jim Clark, Eric Lewis and Tom Washington.

Kidd and the Nets said a foul should have been called at the end of their 92-91 loss Tuesday to the Detroit Pistons. New Jersey's Vince Carter attempted a final shot and drew contract from Detroit's Rasheed Wallace but no foul was called and the game ended with Carter's missed shot. Washington was the official closest to the play.

After the game Kidd said: "Unfortunately we had the three blind mice take control of the game. You know, blew the game for us in that sense. You hate to say that the officiating ruined a good game. But for you to swallow your whistle at that point, it's disheartening. It's just sad that Tom (Washington) screwed up that game for us."

Nets Coach Lawrence Frank had to be restrained after the non-call. He was not fined for the incident, however.