Pat Riley Fined $25,000 For Comments About LeBron James

Pat Riley recently made headlines for saying that if LeBron James ever wanted to come back to Miami, he'll "put a new shiny key under the mat" for him. Today, he is being fined $25,000 for violating the NBA's anti-tampering rule, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

Heat President Pat Riley has been fined $25,000 for violating the league’s anti-tampering rule during radio interview regarding Lakers‘ LeBron James.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 9, 2021

While on the "Le Batard and Friends" show, the Heat President misinterpreted a question that was intended to be about Dwyane Wade. Riley believed he was being asked if he was open to a reunion with LeBron James, when in fact they were inquiring about Wade being a majority owner with the Jazz. (Riley begins discussing James at the 14:08 mark)

Lo and behold, Riley proved rather prescient during the interview, facetiously stating that "this will just get me fined for tampering."

Photo Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports