Advertisement

NBA fines Heat president Pat Riley $25K for comments about LeBron James

The NBA announced on Wednesday that Miami Heat president Pat Riley has been fined $25,000 for violating the league's anti-tampering rules.

Riley is being fined specifically for comments he made about LeBron James and the possibility of him returning to the Heat sometime in the future.

“I would leave the key under the doormat if he would call me and let me know that he’s coming,” Riley said Friday in an interview on Dan Le Batard’s radio show, via the New York Post. “I would do that, but I doubt very much that key…That key is rusted now.

“LeBron, look, he’s one of the greatest of all time, and for four years down here, if we want to go back and remember what those four years were like, it was four years in the Finals, four years of excitement, two world championships…It was the best time for the Heat. So I wish him nothing but the best, and if he ever wanted to come back, I’ll put a new shiny key under the mat.”

Riley may be happy to welcome LeBron back to Miami if he wants to return, but the NBA doesn't want him talking about that into a microphone. Riley already knew that, and actually predicted it would happen.

“This will just get me fined for tampering,” he said.

However, he may not have to pay it himself. Le Batard thinks the whole thing is "stupid" and offered to pay Riley's fine.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 28: President Pat Riley of the Miami Heat looks on during the second quarter between the Miami Heat and the LA Clippers at American Airlines Arena on January 28, 2021 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Heat president Pat Riley is out $25,000 after making comments about LeBron James returning to the Heat during a radio interview. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) (Michael Reaves via Getty Images)

More from Yahoo Sports: