DeMarcus Cousins given $50k fine for verbal altercation with local columnist

DeMarcus Cousins will have money come out of his pocket as a result of his recent run-in with a local media member.

The Sacramento Kings levied an undisclosed but “substantial fine” on Cousins for his recent run-in with a Sacramento Bee columnist, according to The Undefeated’s Marc Spears. The fine is for $50,000, reports Jason Jones of the Bee.

The Kings released this statement regarding Cousins’ altercation with Andy Furillo:

“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.”

Cousins reacted to a column Furillo wrote referencing an earlier incident where Cousins’ brother Jaleel was arrested while he was present.

In the locker room video, you can hear Cousins say, “Don’t ever mention my brother. You don’t know my fucking brother.”

The reference was the end to a larger piece suggesting Cousins “needs better hangouts in New York City” after he and Matt Barnes were involved in an altercation at a nightclub during the team’s stop in New York. In the following lawsuit, the plaintiffs allege Barnes choked a woman and Cousins sucker punched her boyfriend.

Cousins later refused to speak to media while Furillo was present. It is unclear if he will change his stance after the fine.