While speaking to reporters after practice Friday afternoon, Knicks forward Marcus Morris again apologized for comments he made about Jae Crowder of the Memphis Grizzlies.
Following their blowout loss to the Grizzlies at the Garden Wednesday night, which ended in a fight, Morris said Crowder is “woman-like” and has “female tendencies.” The comments came after a question from a female reporter. Morris quickly apologized on social media Wednesday night, but the forward reiterated his remorse Friday.“First, to start off, just apologizing deeply. My comments were unnecessary. I wasn’t even thinking when I was talking,” Morris said. “We have women referees, women coaches. I’m a big, huge supporter of the WNBA. I have relationships with a few female players in the WNBA. If I offended any of them, I deeply, deeply apologize.”
.@MookMorris2 apologizes for his unnecessary comments""I wasn't even thinking when I was talking" pic.twitter.com/9aGCVdY3j7
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks)
January 31, 2020 The Grizzlies were up by 18 points with less than a minute to go in their Wednesday night game against the Knicks when Crowder stole an inbound pass and stepped back to take a three-point shot. Crowder missed as Knicks guard Elfrid Payton shoved him to the ground, leading to a scuffle.
The post-game comments from Morris drew justified criticism from many, as well as a fine from the NBA. A statement from the Knicks called Morris’ comments “offensive and unacceptable.”
“I’ve had time to sit and reflect on my words,” Morris continued Friday. “It was just unprofessional of me, man, to refer to any of that, in terms of downgrade or even feel as though I can mention a woman’s name, or anything about women referring to the game of basketball that they put their heart into, and coaching, and just life in general, man, I’m deeply sorry and I deeply apologize.”
Knicks guard Elfrid Payton was also reprimanded by the league with a one-game suspension for his involvement in the fight.
