The NBA fined Kevin Durant $50,000 for using 'offensive and derogatory language' in his private messages with a sports podcaster

• Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant received a $50,000 fine from the NBA for "offensive" language.
• In screenshots posted to Twitter, Durant called podcaster Michael Rapaport various degrading terms.
• Durant, speaking to reporters, apologized for his remarks.

The NBA gave Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant a $50,000 fine for using "offensive and derogatory language on social media," ESPN reported.

The fine is reportedly in response to screenshots posted on social media by actor and sports podcast host Michael Rapaport. The screenshots, posted to Twitter, showed an Instagram conversation between him and Durant, in which Durant referred to Rapaport as a "p----" and "pale pasty c-- guzzling b----."

"I receive threats and disgusting messages DAILY, but never in my wildest dreams did I think @KDTrey5 would be among them," Rapaport wrote. Durant "is now threatening me, bringing up my wife and wants to fight. This is supposed to be America's sweetheart right?"

It's not clear whether Rapaport posted the full exchange between him and Durant. But a portion of the exchange appeared to show Durant threatening Rapaport, asking him to "meet me."

"Or better yet. What's your address?" Durant asked in the screenshots shared by Rapaport.

Rapaport, who's white, repeatedly told Durant to "help the kids in BROWNSVILLE, BROOKLYN," a predominantly Black New York City neighborhood.

Originally, Durant responded on Twitter saying, "Me and mike talk CRAZIER than this on the regular and today he's pissed... My bad mike, damn!!"

And on Thursday, Durant apologized once again, this time while speaking to reporters.

"I'm sorry that people seen that language I used," Durant said. "That's not really what I want people to see and hear from me, but hopefully I can move past it and get back out there on the floor."

The Nets did not immediately return Insider's request for comment.

Have a news tip? Contact this reporter at ydzhanova@insider.com.