PRO BASKETBALL
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- The Sacramento Kings issued center DeMarcus Cousins a ''substantial fine'' for a recent altercation with a Sacramento Bee reporter.
Cousins said in a team statement that he chose the wrong time to confront Bee columnist Andy Furillo about an article he wrote that referenced Cousins' brother, Jaleel.
The Sacramento Bee reported the fine was for $50,000.
Cousins pointed a finger in Furillo's face during a profanity-laced tirade on Dec. 12 following a win against the visiting Los Angeles Lakers.
Cousins said he is ''fiercely protective of my friends and family, and I let my emotions get the best of me in the situation.