NBA Investigates Brown’s Run-in With Official Last Week at Utah

The NBA opened an investigation Monday into the confrontation between Clipper Coach Larry Brown and referee Ken Mauer during Saturday night’s game at Utah.

Rod Thorn, the league’s vice president of operations, will review tapes of the incident and interview the concerned parties, including Brown, Mauer and the other two officials.

Among Thorn’s options are to fine Brown for not leaving the court immediately after being ejected or for trying to get at Mauer after the second technical, or to fine or reprimand Mauer for handling the situation poorly. Officials are fined only in extreme cases.

The altercation began when Brown yelled at Mauer for an erroneous call late in the first half, a call that was immediately overturned by crew chief Joe Forte.

Mauer, however, charged Brown with a technical foul because of Brown’s comment, then argued with Brown, which is rare in the NBA, where officials normally defuse tense situations by walking away or calmly explaining their call.

The technical ignited Brown, who got a second and automatic ejection, then had to be restrained when he tried to get at Mauer.