National Basketball Association

NBA to probe fan's Amar'e claim

Published Jun. 25, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The NBA plans to look into the authenticity of a profane direct message allegedly sent by Amar'e Stoudemire to a fan over the weekend, the New York Post reported, citing a source.

Stoudemire allegedly called the fan a homosexual slur in the direct message, which was forwarded to Deadspin.com via photo.

A Twitter direct message is visible only to the recipient, unlike a normal Twitter post that can be seen by anyone.

The fan ignited Stoudemire's alleged reply by saying he must step up this season, in harsh tones.

"You better come back a lot stronger and quicker to make up for this past season mannnnnn deadasss!!!''

Stoudemire's alleged reply was, "F--k you. I don't have to do anything f--.''

Stoudemire's spokesperson did not return several messages the past two days seeking comment on whether Stoudemire actually sent the message.

Deadspin later reported that Stoudemire apologized to the fan in a subsequent direct message but after the story came out.

"I apologize for what I said earlier," Stoudemire allegedly messaged. "I just got off the plane and had time to think about it. Sorry bro!! No excuses. Won't happen again."

Stoudemire is coming off hand surgery during the playoffs when he punched a glass-enclosed fire extinguisher following a Game 2 loss in Miami. He missed Game 3 and played with one hand heavily bandaged in Games 4 and 5.