DeMarcus Cousins Could Face Fine for Reportedly Yelling Gay Slur at Referee

DeMarcus Cousins may be in some hot water after allegedly directing some explicitly offensive remarks toward an official during the Sacramento Kings' 120-102 loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.

According to Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee, Cousins may have let loose a homosexual slur from his lips while berating an official during the game.

"

that cost Kobe $100k RT @mr_jasonjones: Cousins just picked up a tech for telling the ref to stop being a .... (rhymes with rag).

— CHRIS FOXX™ (@FoxxFiles) February 22, 2012"

The comment earned Boogie a technical foul and could result in heavy fines if the NBA determines that the word used was, indeed, the slight in question. Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant was slapped with a $100,000 fine for using the same word to berate an official last season.

After the game, though, Cousins clarified the content of his remarks:

"

Now told Cousins said "fan" and did not use a gay slur even though it sounded like one to those nearby.

— JasonJones (@mr_jasonjones) February 22, 2012"

"

Spoke with Cousins who told me he called the ref to "Stop being a fan." Sounded different to some of us nearby. My apologies to Cousins

— JasonJones (@mr_jasonjones) February 22, 2012"

Whether the league will actually levy a fine or suspension of any sort remains to be seen. The NBA has taken a strong stand against homophobia among its ranks of late, even going so far as to have Grant Hill and Jared Dudley speak up about the issue in a televised public service announcement.

Cousins has something of a reputation for petulance around the league. He came in via the 2010 NBA draft with lingering questions concerning his character and commitment to the game and has proven to be something of a burden since.

A point to which Paul Westphal would surely attest.

If the league determines that Cousins did, in fact, use a homosexual slur, then it must take swift and forceful action to reprimand him for it. Homophobia is not something to be tolerated or brushed aside in any arena of society, including one as public and influential as the NBA.

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