Brooklyn Nets star Cam Thomas fined 40k over ‘no homo’ comment

Brooklyn Nets breakthrough star Cam Thomas landed in hot water after an interview which saw him use a “derogatory” phrase.

Cam Thomas apologised for using the phrase. Photo: Twitter

Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas has been fined $40,000 after using “derogatory and disparaging” language in a television interview, the NBA said Saturday.

Thomas was sanctioned after comments made in a postgame interview with TNT television following Brooklyn’s 116-105 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Friday.

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Thomas was interviewed alongside new teammate Spencer Dinwiddie.

Dinwiddie, who returned to Brooklyn as part of the trade that sent Kyrie Irving to Dallas, joked earlier this week that the Nets had recruited “better looking” players in the deal.

“We may not be the best trade package, but we’re the best looking, and the Nets needed some help in that department,” Dinwiddie said.

Asked about Dinwiddie’s comment on Thursday, Thomas remarked: “We already had good-looking guys, no homo.”

The reporter replied: “Surely the league office will enjoy that one.”

Cam Thomas: "We already had good looking guys… no homo." 😂#NBATwitterpic.twitter.com/ZnTB9MRtcv

— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) February 10, 2023

Turns out the league did take notice, releasing a statement on Saturday.

“Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas has been fined $40,000 for using derogatory and disparaging language during a live television interview, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations,” it read.

“Thomas made his comments during an on-court interview at the conclusion of the Nets’ 116-105 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Feb. 9 at Barclays Center.”

Thomas later apologised for his choice of language in a statement on Twitter.

“I want to apologise for the insensitive word I used in the postgame interview,” Thomas wrote late Thursday.

“I was excited about the win and was being playful. I definitely didn’t intend to offend anyone, but realise that I probably did. My apologies again. Much love.”