Sam Cassell Says NBA Fines Are Ridiculous

Kobe Bryant has done it ... Caron Butler has done it ... and now the originator of the NBA's "Big Balls" dance thinks it's high time the league let guys do it in peace ... without the huge fine.

We got Sam Cassell out at Mastro's and asked him about the move he made famous ... the imaginary cuffing of huge huevos whenever you hit a big shot.

Sam's been busting the move since back in his Minnesota Timberwolves days ... but now the league has labeled it a no-no ... issuing huge fines to offending players.

Check out the clip ... Sam has a message for the league -- LET THE BALLS GO ... saying fining a guy huge money for a little expression is kinda ... whack.

Great job, Sam ... takes a big pair to make a stand.