OKLAHOMA CITY — Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun said Saturday he has apologized for repeatedly calling NBA official Jenna Reneau “a b—-” during Wednesday’s 114-93 loss to the Boston Celtics.
Sengun was thrown out of the game midway through the fourth quarter after arguing a non-call on a drive to the basket. Enhanced broadcast audio later made his profanity clear, prompting widespread criticism on social media.
Speaking publicly for the first time after Houston’s 112-106 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the 21-year-old acknowledged his mistake.
“It was immature,” Sengun said. “I let my frustration get the best of me. I went straight to the officials’ locker room after the game, shook her hand, and told her it would never happen again.”
The Rockets trailed Boston by 25 points when the incident occurred. Reneau, working her first season as an NBA staff referee, accepted Sengun’s post-game apology, according to the player.
Sengun finished Saturday’s contest with his second triple-double of the season, posting 17 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.
Source: ESPN
