Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle wasn't happy with the team's $100,000 fine from the NBA, but the league is firing back.

During a radio appearance on 107.5 The Fan, Carlisle called the process that led to the fine "ridiculous," but the NBA released a statement to The Athletic's Sam Amick disputing his claim.

"Coach Carlisle's description of the process that went into the decision to fine the Indiana Pacers is inaccurate," the statement read. "An independent physician led the medical review. In addition, the Pacers' General Manager and the team's Senior Vice President, Sports Medicine and Performance were interviewed as part of the process. The Pacers confirmed that it had provided all of the information requested by the league and the team reported that an interview with Coach Carlisle or a team physician wasn't necessary."

Carlisle claimed that the league suggested that the Pacers should medicate Aaron Nesmith so he could play through a left hand strain on Feb. 3 against the Utah Jazz. Nesmith was among the players who sat out that game, leading the NBA to fine Indiana for violating the league's player participation policy.

"I...