Kevin Durant fined $50K by NBA for “offensive and derogatory” language

Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant has been fined $50,000 by the NBA for his use of “offensive and derogatory” language in an online argument with actor Michael Rapaport. 

On Tuesday, Rapaport posted screenshots of Instagram DM conversations held between Durant and himself. Alarmingly, the screenshots revealed multiple insulting and threatening messages from Durant to Rappaport. 

Durant sent, “I swear ima spit in your face when I see your dirty a**” and “How p**** are u. Your wife doesn’t even respect your b**** a**.” 

According to the messages, Durant and Rapaport seemed to have had a dispute over a recent Inside the NBA interview between Durant and Charles Barkley, as well as over a recent lawsuit made by Rappaport against Barstool Sports.

Rappaport captioned the revealing screenshots post with: 

As most of you know, I receive threats and disgusting messages DAILY, but never in my wildest dreams did I think @easymoneysniper would be among them. The (snake) himself is now threatening me, bringing up my wife and wants to fight. This is supposed to be America’s sweetheart right? KD didn’t get “hacked” either. Hold this L champ #ImDaRealMVP #igotastorytotell

This past Thursday, Durant spoke with reporters and addressed the backlash caused by the released messages.

“I’m sorry that people have seen the language I used,” said Durant. “That’s not what I want people to see or hear from me, but hopefully I can move past it and get back out there on the floor.” 

Sports pundits such as ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith have publicly criticized Rapaport’s decision to publicly reveal a private conversation. After news of the fine was released, the actor gave his “final thoughts” on the matter in another Instagram post. 

As for Durant, he has not played in a game since February, 13 due to a hamstring injury.

He is reported to return to the game soon. 

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Kyle-Michael Rose

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