Phoenix Suns wing Dillon Brooks is one of the NBA’s most notorious role players. He’s never far away from the action, whether that involves confrontations with other players or referees. Brooks is currently dealing with the consequences of the latter, as the league fined him $35,000 for his comments towards officials in the Suns’ recent NBA Cup win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Brooks spoke with the media and gave his side of the story.
What Did Dillon Brooks Reveal About His Recent Altercation With The Referees
While speaking to the media, Brooks was asked to share the family-friendly version of what he said to the referees to earn a fine. Brooks replied, “I just told them they suck.” He certainly used stronger language than that, as the league’s official press release states that he was fined for confronting and directing inappropriate language towards game officials.
Getting fined isn’t new for Brooks, who has accumulated more than $100,000 worth of penalties over his nine-year NBA career so far. He’s been fined for using inappropriate language towards referees and in live television interviews. He’s been fined for making an inappropriate gesture on the court, shoving a cameraperson, and making reckless plays. Brooks’ actions have established ra eputation among many fans as one of the NBA’s borderline dirtiest players.
Brooks was traded from the Houston Rockets this past summer in the deal headlined by Kevin Durant moving from the Suns to the Rockets. Brooks has thrived as a complementary piece next to Suns franchise player Devin Booker thus far, averaging 21.4 points per game this season. Brooks was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team during the 2022-2023 season, and at his best, is viewed as a solid complementary three-and-D role player. However, Brooks always saw himself as a capable scorer, and he’s getting the opportunity with the Suns.
BOOKER UP TOP TO WILLIAMS!
Unselfish basketball from the Suns always gets the crowd going 🔊 pic.twitter.com/WDfEM8TRKg
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 24, 2025
Brooks is still perhaps most known for his tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies. A second-round pick, Brooks rose up the ranks to become an 18-point-per-game scorer during his six seasons in Memphis. However, he gained more headlines for his trash talk and borderline dirty plays, even publicly stating that he liked being a villain.
Eventually, the Grizzlies organization became frustrated with his antics, and things appeared to reach their boiling point during the 2023 playoffs. The Grizzlies were upset in the first round by the Los Angeles Lakers, as Brooks trolled LeBron James but was unable to back up his words on the court. Brooks was fined $25,000 for failing to participate in required media sessions during the series.
It’s fair to wonder if Brooks’ antics will lead to another organization souring on him as the Grizzlies did, but for now, the Suns have to be pleased with Brooks’ early contributions.
