New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire has been fined $40,o00 by the National Basketball Association for using a gay slur during a Twitter battle with a fan over the weekend.

A fan with the Twitter handle handle @BFerrelli agitated the player with a tweet that poked fun at him saying he better do better next year on the court. Stoudemire responded with this tweet: 'Fuck you. I don't have to do anything fag.'

The fan then posted a screen grab of the insult for all to see. He then posted the player's personal apology: 'I apologize for what I said earlier.I just got off the plane and had time to think about it. Sorry bro!! No Excuses. Won't happen again.'

Stoudemire reiterated the 'no excuses' line when he issued a public apology Tuesday (26 June): 'I am a huge supporter of civil rights for all people. I am disappointed in myself for my statement to a fan. I should have known better and there is no excuse.'