Posted Jun 26 2012 6:19PM
NEW YORK (AP) -- Amar'e Stoudemire has been fined $50,000 by the NBA after the New York Knicks star tweeted a gay slur.
Stu Jackson, the league's executive vice president of basketball operations, announced the fine Tuesday in a release, calling Stoudemire's language offensive and derogatory.
Stoudemire apologized Sunday to a fan for using the slur in response to a crude tweet in which the fan admonished the All-Star to "make up for this past season."
The fan, (at)BFerrelli, tweeted his comment on Saturday and received a direct message containing an expletive and the slur from the account Twitter verifies as Stoudemire's. BFerrelli, identified by the New York Daily News as Brian Ferrelli, posted a screen shot of the direct message. Direct messages can only be seen by the sender and the recipient.
Stoudemire also issued an apology in a statement Tuesday.
"I am a huge supporter of civil rights for all people," he said. "I am disappointed in myself for my statement to a fan. I should have known better and there is no excuse."
 | Pacers vs. Heat: Game 1 LeBron James records a triple-double and hits the game-winner as Miami beats Indiana in an overtime thriller. |
 | Pacers vs. Heat: Game 2 Preview The Game Time crew previews Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. |
 | Postgame: Roy Hibbert Roy Hibbert talks to the media after Wedneday's Game 1 loss to Miami. |
 | Inside Trax Listen to all the action from Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Pacers and Heat. |
 | Press Pass: LeBron & Wade LeBron James and Dwyane Wade talk postgame after the Heat win Game 1 in overtime over the Pacers. |
Copyright © NBA Media Ventures, LLC. All rights reserved. No portion of NBA.com may be duplicated, redistributed or manipulated in any form. By accessing any information beyond this page, you agree to abide by the Privacy Policy / Your California Privacy Rights and Terms of Use. | Ad Choices 
NBA.com is part of Turner Sports Digital, part of the Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network.
