Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been fined $40,000 by the NBA for his use of anti-gay language in an Instagram story he posted on social media earlier this month. The league announced the fine for Edwards for “using offensive and derogatory language” on social media. Edwards was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. and is entering his third season with Minnesota.

The social media video was posted on Edwards’ Instagram story on Sept. 11. showing a group of shirtless men standing on a sidewalk when a voice is heard calling them “queer-ass n—as.” Shortly after the video came out, Edwards issued an apology on Twitter: “What I said was immature, hurtful, and disrespectful, and I’m incredibly sorry. It’s unacceptable for me or anyone to use that language in such a hurtful way, there’s no excuse for it, at all. I was raised better than that!”

Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly released a statement about Edwards’ comments on Sept. 12: “We are disappointed in the language and actions Anthony Edwards displayed on social media. The Timberwolves are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming organization for all and apologize for the offense this has caused to so many.”

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