Amare Stoudemire 'Homophobic' Slur at Knicks Fan: Star Apologizes After Tweet
Amare Stoudemire's "homophobic" slur directed at an upset New York Knicks fan may have been because of the sports star's lack of discipline, rather than a fear or hatred of gay people. The sports star later apologized for the heated Twitter exchange.
"F--- you. I don't have to do anything f--," Stoudemire lashed out via Twitter Direct Message.
Amare Stoudemire tweeted a gay slur at Knicks fan @BFerrelli, calling him a "f--" because the 19-year-old criticized his performance leading up to the team's first-round loss in the NBA playoffs. John Ferreli, who goes by the nickname Butch, said the power forward needed to be "stronger."
"@Amareisreal you better come back a lot stronger and quicker to make up for this past season mannnnnn deada--!!!" Ferreli initially tweeted. Soon after, he claimed that the NBA star had messaged him, which others on his timeline doubted.
Stoudemire later apologized for the message, but failed to say his reasoning at attacking a Knicks fan over the internet.
"I apologize for what I said earlier. I just got off the plane and had time to think about it. Sorry bro!! No Excuses. Won't happen again," Stoudemire wrote, once again via Twitter direct message.
The basketball player certainly seemed sensitive, especially in light of the team that almost swept the Knicks- the Miami Heat- going on to win the NBA Finals last Thursday. His deficiencies were cast into sharp relief as the championship beat the Oklahoma City Thunder the same way they beat the Knicks: 4-1.
Before the incident, Ferreli admitted that he had a lot of respect for Amare and the rest of the Knicks. 2012 marked the first time in years that the team made back-to-back playoff appearances.
"[Amare] was one of my favorite players on the Knicks because he committed to that team and had a goal to make them better before any other 'decent' players came aboard," the teen told StatelandInc.com.
After Stoudemire's actions and subsequent apology, Ferreli said he has lost some of that respect.
"My view on the team hasn't changed, but definitely in Amar'e," Ferreli explained. "Especially after thinking he was a good role model."
