Nikola Jokic fined $25,000 for homophobic remark in postgame interview
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic was fined $25,000 on Wednesday for using “derogatory and offensive language” during a postgame interview last week, the league announced on Wednesday.
Jokic was asked about Wendell Carter Jr. after the Nuggets’ 108-107 overtime win against the Chicago Bulls on Oct. 31 at the United Center and used the phrase “no homo.”
“He’s long — uh, no homo — he’s longer than you expect,” Jokic said after the game.
The league has handed down similar punishments for using offensive language in the past. Roy Hibbert was fined $75,000 in 2013 for using the same phrase, and later issued an apology. Kobe Bryant was also fined $100,000 in 2011 for directing a gay slur toward an official.
Jokic and Carter Jr. were matched up repeatedly in the contest last Wednesday. Carter Jr. dropped 25 points and had eight rebounds in the game, while Jokic led the Nuggets with 22 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists.
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