NEW YORK, October 14, 2009 (AFP) - The Charlotte Bobcats Larry Brown was slapped with a 60,000 dollar fine Wednesday after the head coach criticized officials brought in to replace the National Basketball Association's regular referees.

The Bobcats were hit with an additional 60,000 dollar fine for Browns' actions which included reprimanding referees during the game and then refusing to leave the court after being ejected from Monday's exhibition game.

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins was also fined 25,000 dollars for criticizing referees in another pre-season game on Monday.

After failing to negotiate a new contract with its referees, the NBA is using development and Women National Basketball Association refs in the preseason. If the lockout continues, the same officials will be used in the regular season, which begins on October 27.