Austin Rivers fined for throwing seat cushion that hit fan

— -- The NBA fined Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers $25,000 for throwing a seat cushion into the stands that struck a fan in Wednesday night's 111-104 season-opening win over the Kings in Sacramento.

The incident occurred with 7:47 remaining in the fourth quarter. The NBA confirmed a cushion hit a woman in the second row at Sleep Train Arena. She experienced discomfort in her eyes, according to a report by USA Today, which earlier reported the investigation of the incident.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers, Austin's father, said it was an accident while addressing the incident before the Clippers' game Thursday night against the Dallas Mavericks.

"It was an accident, obviously," Doc Rivers said. "The unit was frustrated. He kind of just grabbed it, not to throw it in the crowd. It just happened. But it's automatic, the fine. There's nothing you can do about it.

"We use those big pads. He grabbed it just to throw it over into the back row so he could sit down. He said the thing just took off on him. There's nothing you can do about it. Next time just place it. Place it. Otherwise it costs you more."

Austin Rivers wasn't available before Thursday's game. He had three points in 16 minutes, shooting 0-for-3 from the field and 3-for-4 from the line, in the win over the Kings.

"I'm so disappointed as a parent," Doc Rivers joked about the cushion throw.

Last season, then-Clippers forward Glen Davis was fined $15,000 for kicking a seat cushion into the stands during a game against the Celtics in Boston.

ESPN's Kevin Arnovitz contributed to this report.