Houston Rockets centre Alperen Sengun says he has apologised to the female official he aimed a sexist remark at during a defeat by the Boston Celtics.
The Turkish player was ejected in the fourth quarter of his side’s defeat on Wednesday after angrily making the derogatory comment multiple times to Jenna Reneau, who is in her first season as an NBA staff official.
“That was immature by me,” said the 23-year-old Sengun, who was frustrated at no foul being called on him on a drive to the basket.
“That was just in the moment, and I said some stuff I shouldn’t say, but I felt bad about it.”
The incident involving Sengun occurred on National Girls and Women in Sports Day, with the Rockets posting a message from Kevin Durant to mark the occasion.
“Sometimes, you can’t control yourself, but I should have known better,” added Sengun, who was speaking after registering a triple double of 17 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists in a 112-106 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
“But I fixed it, and then I went to the locker room and I apologised. I shake [her] hand and said that would never happen again.
“It just happened in the heat of the moment. Then, she understood, and it was good on both ends.”
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