Audio leaked of Fred VanVleet cussing out multiple refs following ejection vs. Blazers

Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet went off on multiple referees on Saturday night in Houston’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

The veteran guard was ejected from the game late in the fourth quarter and proceeded to tell the refs that they “suck” before nearly making contact with one before walking off the floor.

VanVleet clearly lost his cool a bit in a game where Houston struggled on offense (scoring just 98 points), and he had one of his worst shooting games of the season.

The veteran shot just 4-for-13 from the field (0-for-6 from 3), finishing with eight points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal and three turnovers.

The loss dropped Houston to 12-6 on the season, but it still holds the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and is just one game back of the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder in the standings.

VanVleet has played in 17 of Houston’s 18 games and is averaging 14.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game while shooting 39.4 percent from the field and 30.5 percent from 3.

The Rockets nearly made the play-in tournament in the Western Conference last season – VanVleet’s first with the franchise – and this season it appears they have a chance to be a playoff team in the West.

Saturday’s incident isn’t the first time that VanVleet has been vocal about his frustration with officials.

In a press conference during the 2022-23 season, VanVleet called official Ben Taylor “f—— terrible” and was hit with a $30,000 fine by the NBA.

“Speaking for a lot of guys, obviously I was frustrated, emotional,” VanVleet said after he was fined. “But there are a lot of people that feel that way. Hopefully going forward we see some change for the better, the betterment of the game. It was a little emotional, a tough loss, things not going our way, got caught up in the moment a little bit.

“You live and you learn and you move on. It came out authentic, it came out in real time. I wouldn’t have done that if I felt like I had another option or outlet. I felt like I’ve exhausted my options this season, many different occasions. It is just one of those things, I am human.

“You will see me make mistakes in real time and make things that are not always perfect. A little unprofessional for my standard, so it was unfortunate.”

Hopefully, the veteran guard can move on from Saturday’s incident and focus on the season ahead with Houston off to such a great start.

The Rockets are back in action on Tuesday, Nov. 26 for an NBA Cup matchup with the Minnesota Timberwolves.