McHale Fined $3,000 for Scuffle With Fan

Boston Celtic forward Kevin McHale has been fined $3,000 for engaging in a shoving match with a fan during a National Basketball Assn. playoff game, the league announced Monday.

The incident occurred May 8 in Milwaukee, after McHale fouled out of the third game of the Eastern Conference semifinal series. When McHale returned to the Celtic bench, he got involved in a scuffle with a fan who allegedly was using abusive language.

“No matter how severe the provocation, players cannot be permitted to leave the court or the bench area and go into the stands,” said Rod Thorn, the NBA’s vice president of operations.

McHale signed a one-year contract for $1 million before the season.