MIAMI – Pacers center Roy Hibbert has been fined $75,000 by the NBA for a controversial comment he made after Game 6.
Hibbert was asked about protecting the paint in the series.
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Hibbert responded, "There was Game 3 here that I felt I let Paul (George) down in terms of having his back when LeBron was scoring in the post or getting into the paint because they stretched me out so much, no homo."
The Pacers center apologized Sunday for his remarks, but Sunday afternoon, the NBA fined Hibbert $75,000 "for using inappropriate and vulgar language during postgame interviews."
"While Roy has issued an apology, which is no doubt sincere, a fine is necessary to reinforce that such offensive comments will not be tolerated by the NBA," said NBA Commissioner David Stern.
The NBA has been on a bit of a public relations push with the gay community, after Jason Collins came out last month.
The 34-year-old's decision was met with praise from the NBA,
Hibbert reached out to Collins after his statement.
In a tweet, Hibbert asked Collins to follow him because "Would like to discuss something's with you."
Indiana's coach Frank Vogel said Hibbert feels badly about his remark.
Hibbert also went on a rant when asked about his defensive performance during the regular season.
He told reporters, "Y'all (expletive) don't watch us play throughout the year to tell the truth."
The Heat and Pacers will meet in Game 7 on Monday.