Joakim Noah has apologized for shouting a homophobic slur at a Miami Heat fan during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Heat. TNT's cameras caught Noah mouthing the phrase "F--- you f--got" to a Heat fan while coming to the bench early in the first quarter. After the game, Noah had this to say, via SB Nation Chicago.
"I apologize," Noah said after the game. "The fan said something to me that I thought was disrespectful, and I got caught up in the moment, and I responded. I said some things that I shouldn't have said. I was frustrated and I didn't mean any disrespect to anybody."
Noah can expect a hefty fine for his actions regardless. Kobe Bryant received a $100,000 fine for using similar language to a referee at the end of the regular season. Precedent suggests that Noah will also be docked $100,000 for his actions.
To see video of the incident, click here.
Be sure to check out our Heat vs. Bulls hub for more on the series. For more on the Heat, visit Peninsula Is Mightier. For more on the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull and SB Nation Chicago.