Knicks fined $25K after repeatedly not making Randle available to media

Warning: Story contains coarse language

The NBA fined the New York Knicks $25,000 after the team refused to make forward Julius Randle available to media following the Knicks' 102-91 loss Thursday to the New Orleans Pelicans, the league announced Friday.

The punishment is likely not the result of a single infraction, however. Randle has refused to speak to reporters following games since Jan. 6 - a stretch of seven games - despite being specifically requested by media, according to The Athletic's Fred Katz.

During his last postgame availability, Randle succinctly explained why he'd given the Madison Square Garden crowd a thumbs-down during a comeback win over the Boston Celtics, saying the gesture meant "shut the fuck up."

A day later, the 27-year-old apologized to Knicks fans for the remark via social media. However, the NBA still fined the reigning Most Improved Player $25,000 for an "egregious use of profane language."

Since Randle last addressed reporters, the Knicks have gone 3-4 while Randle has averaged 14.1 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, shooting 21.2% from deep. In the 37 games prior this season, the former Kentucky standout registered 19.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game and shot 32.4% on 3-pointers.