NBA fines Stoudemire $50K for 'offensive Twitter message'

New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire was fined $50,000 by the NBA for what the league termed "offensive end derogatory language in a Twitter message."

Stoudemire's use of a gay slur in a direct Twitter message was forwarded by a fan to deadspin.com via picture message. A direct Twitter message is viewable only to the recipient and the sender, whereas other messages can be seen by anyone.

Coach Mike Woodson said Monday he would talk to Stoudemire about the incident.

The fine equates to less than what Stoudemire is scheduled to earn for one quarter of one game in 2012-13. He signed a five-year, $100 million contract in July 2010.