The Indiana Pacers faced a $100,000 fine from the NBA for violating the league's player participation policy, a decision that has sparked contrasting accounts from the team's head coach and the league office. Rick Carlisle, the Pacers' coach, publicly stated on 107.5 The Fan that NBA investigators did not consult with team doctors or players before issuing the fine. Carlisle specifically highlighted the case of Aaron Nesmith, who was injured the night before the game in question and, according to Carlisle, "couldn't hold the ball." He found it "ridiculous" that the league lawyer unilaterally decided Nesmith should have played.

Carlisle detailed the interview process, noting that the team offered for investigators to speak with their doctors, who had documented Nesmith's injury, but the offer was declined. The league's doctors, according to Carlisle, did not examine Nesmith. Furthermore, the Pacers' coach expressed shock that the investigators also refused to speak with the players. He recalled a particularly surprising question during the interview, where the team was asked if they had considered medicating Nesmith to play in a game, especially when the team was 30 games under .500.

However, the NBA presented a different narrative regarding the investigative process. A statement from the league asserted that "Coach Carlisle's description of the process that went into the decision to fine the Indiana Pacers is inaccurate." The NBA clarified that an independent physician led the medical review. Additionally, the Pacers' general manager and the team's senior vice president of sports medicine and performance were interviewed as part of the investigation. The league stated that the Pacers themselves confirmed they had provided all requested information and reported that an interview with Coach Carlisle or a team physician was not deemed necessary by the team.

Rick Carlisle, at 66 years old, is a seasoned veteran in the NBA, currently in his 24th season as a head coach. He holds an impressive record of 1,008-904, placing him 11th in league victories. His illustrious career includes winning an NBA title as a player with the Boston Celtics in the 1985-86 season and as a coach with the Dallas Mavericks in 2010-11. He was also honored as the league's Coach of the Year in 2001-02. Recently, Carlisle announced his decision to step down from his long-standing role as president of the National Basketball Coaches Association.