New York Knicks forward Amar'e Stoudemire has been fined $50,000 by the NBA for using offensive and derogatory language in a Twitter message, the league announced Tuesday.

The punishment stems from a Tweet that the NBA star sent to a fan (who has the Twitter handle @BFerrelli) over the weekend after the fan poked fun Stoudemire, saying he better pick it up next season on the court.

Ferrelli posted a screengrab of Stoudemire's Tweet:

"(Expletive) you. I don't have to do any thing (expletive)," Stoudemire said.

He later posted a screengrab of Stoudemire's apology:

"I apologize for what I said earlier.I just got off the plane and had time to think about it. Sorry bro!! No Excuses. Won't happen again."

Stoudemire released a statement Tuesday afternoon:

"I am a huge supporter of civil rights for all people. I am disappointed in myself for my statement to a fan. I should have known better and there is no excuse."