DENVER (AP) Denver Nuggets rookie center Francisco Elson apologized Thursday for calling Kevin Garnett ''gay'' after the Timberwolves' star hit him in the groin during a game.
Elson contended Garnett intentionally hit him during Minnesota's 84-82 victory Tuesday night, and he made the remark the next day in practice.
Elson apologized after he was chastised by gay and lesbian groups.
''I realize my comments were insensitive and they were out of character for me,'' he said in a statement the team released. ''However, I take full responsibility and I have learned a valuable lesson.''
Garnett wouldn't comment on Elson's remarks or his apology.
''I really couldn't care less about what they're saying over there,'' he said. ''I don't even know half those guys' names. I'm just focused on winning this game and moving on.''
The Timberwolves lead the series 3-1, with Game 5 Friday in Minnesota.
Elson has been one of the leading instigators in Denver's physical approach against Garnett. The two had several heated exchanges in Game 3, which Denver won by 19, and it continued in Game 4.
Elson knocked Garnett into the seats behind the basket with a hard foul early in the game, and the two exchanged words after Garnett tangled with Marcus Camby while fighting for a loose ball. Elson and Garnett also reportedly yelled back and forth outside of Minnesota's bus after the game, and Elson kept the banter going with his comments Wednesday.
''That's a cheap shot by a low-class type player,'' Elson said. ''You don't do that. That's gay on his part. I told him that he was gay, too, for touching me in my private parts.''
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Elson contended Garnett intentionally hit him during Minnesota's 84-82 victory Tuesday night, and he made the remark the next day in practice.
Elson apologized after he was chastised by gay and lesbian groups.
''I realize my comments were insensitive and they were out of character for me,'' he said in a statement the team released. ''However, I take full responsibility and I have learned a valuable lesson.''
Garnett wouldn't comment on Elson's remarks or his apology.
''I really couldn't care less about what they're saying over there,'' he said. ''I don't even know half those guys' names. I'm just focused on winning this game and moving on.''
The Timberwolves lead the series 3-1, with Game 5 Friday in Minnesota.
Elson has been one of the leading instigators in Denver's physical approach against Garnett. The two had several heated exchanges in Game 3, which Denver won by 19, and it continued in Game 4.
Elson knocked Garnett into the seats behind the basket with a hard foul early in the game, and the two exchanged words after Garnett tangled with Marcus Camby while fighting for a loose ball. Elson and Garnett also reportedly yelled back and forth outside of Minnesota's bus after the game, and Elson kept the banter going with his comments Wednesday.
''That's a cheap shot by a low-class type player,'' Elson said. ''You don't do that. That's gay on his part. I told him that he was gay, too, for touching me in my private parts.''
wil.
