Julius Randle's NSFW comments towards New York Knicks fans have landed him in some hot water with the NBA. The league announced that Randle has been fined $25,000.

Randle used NSFW language on two separate occasions. First, he said that he doesn't care what haters of him or New York have to say. Then, after giving a thumbs down to the crowd in a win against the Boston Celtics, Randle explained that he was telling the crowd to shut up.

The frustrations with New York this season have been palpable. The Knicks have a record of 19-20 and look like a less energetic version of last year's team. Their offense is less efficient than last year despite taking steps to improve it and their defense has worsened, too. While there are several factors at play for New York's disappointments, Randle has been heavily blamed, though some of it is deserved.

Randle has been mostly disappointing so far this season, regressing after a very strong 2020-21 season in which he was named to the All-NBA Second Team and won the Most Improved Player award. His stats are down across the board, including his 3-point percentage, which has fallen off a cliff.

Since the incident, Randle has issued an apology on Instagram to fans. He reassured the fanbase that he loves being in New York and expressed his loyalty to the Knicks.

New York has won the last five games in which Randle has played. Building off of this momentum is the key to turning the season around. The Knicks, fresh off an exhilarating, come-from-behind win capped off by a long RJ Barrett 3-pointer, are back in action tonight against the Celtics.