The National Basketball Referees Association has accepted Kevin Durant's public apology, as the Golden State Warriors forward expressed sincere regret over his choice words and criticism of official James Williams during a 123-112 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.
Apology accepted. This is the kind of common ground we hope to achieve when the NBRA meets with @TheNBPA next month: https://t.co/gyuNZ53u9f
— NBA Referees (@OfficialNBARefs) January 25, 2018
Durant was ejected for the fourth time this season after picking up a second technical foul with 2:50 to go in the game.
He blamed his ejection on being “targeted” by Williams throughout the game due to “being on his feelings” after Durant confronted him on a no-call in the first half and then a foul call in what he felt was a clean block on Knicks center Willy Hernangomez.
Durant was utmost apologetic during Wednesday's post-shootaround media session, calling himself a “diva,” a “jerk,” and an “assh**e” for the way he acted on the floor and expressed regret for his comments toward Williams at the end of the game.
This could be a good bridging of the gap between players and officials, who have been at odds (to put it kindly) throughout the season after a large turnover of experienced referees and a new wave of less-experienced ones, resulting in younger crews hoping to assess their power among players.
Players have been reportedly upset at the lack of communication and the quick technical whistles from these referees after they express emotion or argue a call or non-call on the floor.
Durant's public apology could serve as a start to a common understanding between the NBRA and the NBPA next month, hopefully hashing out issues before the start of the postseason, where it counts the most.
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