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Profane tirade costs Sprewell $25,000

Associated Press
Published December 25, 2003

NEW YORK - Minnesota's Latrell Sprewell was fined $25,000 by the league Wednesday for cursing at Knicks chairman James Dolan and screaming at the team's bench during the Timberwolves' 98-92 victory Tuesday.

Sprewell, who was traded to Minnesota and scored 31 in his return to New York, turned to Dolan and unleashed a stream of curses after his 3-pointer gave Minnesota a 94-89 lead with 1:14 left.

An official warned Sprewell, but he kept it up and directed his next rant at the Knicks bench. That earned him a technical.

Sprewell began screaming at Dolan during the first quarter, the first expletive-filled tirade making Dolan blush.

Sprewell turned and shouted at Dolan several more times during the game. Dolan eventually smiled at the taunts.

In 1999, Sprewell was fined $10,000 for making profane remarks to fans during a Knicks' victory at Golden State. That was the first time Sprewell faced former coach P.J. Carlesimo, whom he choked as a member of the Warriors in December 1997.

KINGS: Forward Peja Stojakovic was suspended for one game by the league for making improper contact with an official. Tuesday, he brushed Bernie Fryer with 1:17 left in the second quarter and received a technical foul.

NUGGETS: Rookie Carmelo Anthony could miss Friday's game because of a sprained right toe. Also, Marcus Camby is uncertain for the game because of a lower back strain.

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