Kings Hand Cousins 'Substantial Fine' After Run-In With Reporter

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - The Kings have handed star player DeMarcus Cousins with a substantial fine.

ESPN first reported Tuesday morning that Cousins is being fined for his recent run-in with a Sacramento Bee reporter.

The amount of the fine was not immediately disclosed.

The Kings released the following statement about the fine:

"The Kings have a clear set of standards of conduct expected of our entire organization. As a result of negative interactions with certain members of the media that were not corrected after verbal warnings, we have decided to impose a substantial fine. If this behavior is repeated again we will be forced to consider further discipline."

Tuesday afternoon, Cousins released his own statement:

"There is a time, place and manner to say everything, and I chose the wrong ones. Like most people, I am fiercely protective of my friends and family, and I let my emotions get the best of me in this situation. I understand my actions were inexcusable and I commit to upholding the professional standards of the Kings and the NBA. I apologize to my teammates, fans and the Kings organization for my behavior and the ensuing distraction and look forward to moving on and focusing on basketball."