Basketball player Joakim Noah, who plays for the Chicago team, was fined US$50 for homophobically insulting a Miami fan. According to the NBA, which did not publicize the insult made by Joakim, the amount of the fine represents 1,6% of the player's annual salary, which is US$3,1 million.
After what happened, Joakim apologized and regretted the episode. "I apologize. The fan said something to me that I considered disrespectful and I was caught up in the moment. I said things I shouldn't have said. I was frustrated and didn't mean to be disrespectful to anyone," he said.
This is not the first case in which the NBA has fined a player for homophobic attitudes. Kobe Bryant, from the Lakers, cursed referee Bennie Adams after receiving a technical foul. The player went to the bench and was caught by television cameras saying: "Faggot from c...". Kobe Bryant received a $100 fine.
