Doc Rivers recalls the "worst officiated game ever when Magic lost to the Pacers in 2002: "The refs didn't see the game I saw"

Glenn 'Doc' Rivers is well-known for being highly emotional during games. He won't hold back criticism, especially if he feels game officials are doing a terrible job. But, of course, such a tirade would sometimes be costly for Rivers. While the NBA understands that complaints will be raised, they have to be done the right way. In 2002, Doc's outburst cost him $7,5000. At the time, he was coaching the Orlando Magic who would eventually lose to the Indiana Pacers, 111-98.

Rivers was livid and did not leave the court immediately. To make things worse, he publicly criticized a game official who led then-NBA senior vice president of operations, Stu Jackson, to hand out the penalty.

"The refs didn't see the game I saw," Rivers said via UPI . " We took charge after charge and they would not make a call. That was the worst officiated game ever."

The incident

Rivers took exception to a play in the fourth quarter when Jermaine O'Neal of the Pacers got away with what appeared to be an offensive foul. O'Neal. Aside from the Rivers, Darrell Armstrong was also banished from the game after complaining about the call.

The Marquette product had grown frustrated with the calls that night, particularly from Violet Palmer. Rivers felt they were getting the raw end of the calls, particularly on the offensive end. Despite the fine he got, Rivers stood pat on his stance on how officiating went in the Magic's loss to the Pacers, per the Orlando Sentinel .

Doc hardly weaved Magic in Orlando

Taken in by the Magic in 1999, Rivers tried to improve on what former coach Chuck Daly established. Part of his plan was to lure three big names in 2000. His wish list included Tracy McGrady, Grant Hill, and Tim Duncan. Rivers managed to get McGrady and Hill. However, Duncan allegedly opted to re-sign with the Spurs due to Doc's policy of not allowing family members on the team plane.

As far as Rivers is concerned, that was true. But the real reason for not being able to get Duncan was finances . He explained that the team only had enough money for two stars, not three.

Regardless, Doc led Orland to the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs in the next three years. Unfortunately, a 1-10 start in 2003 would not sit well with management, leading to his dismissal.

The four-time All-Star coach got some redemption when he joined the Boston Celtics. That run included winning the 2008 NBA title where he handled stars such as Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Rajon Rondo.

Rivers also had other coaching gigs with the Los Angeles Clippers, the Philadelphia 76ers, and, at the moment, the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite having multiple stars on teams he has coached, the 62-year-old mentor has yet to replicate his 2008 feat.

Related: Doc Rivers talks about his beef with JJ Redick: "JJ has had a problem with me for a while, and that's fine"