The Sacramento Kings have issued centre DeMarcus Cousins a "substantial fine" for a recent altercation with a Sacramento Bee reporter.
The Kings announced the punishment in a statement Tuesday. Cousins says in the statement that he chose the wrong time to confront Bee columnist Andy Furillo about an article he wrote that referenced Cousins' brother, Jaleel.
The Sacramento Bee reported the fine was for $50,000 ($A69,000)
Cousins pointed a finger in Furillo's face during a profanity-laced tirade on December 12 following a win against the visiting Los Angeles Lakers.
Cousins says he is "fiercely protective of my friends and family, and I let my emotions get the best of me in the situation." He apologised to "teammates, fans and the Kings organisation," but did not include an apology to Furillo.
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Kings coach Dave Joerger says he is "not going to spend another thought" on the issue. On Monday, the coach called Cousins' actions "excessive," but also said he thought the Bee was not practising fair reporting in regard to Cousins.
