The NBA fined Kevin Durant $50,000 on Friday over a row of expletive-laden social media messages, which included misogynistic and homophobic elements.

The league said in a statement the Brooklyn Nets’ star forward was fined for “using offensive and derogatory language on social media,” noting that Durant, who had apologised for his remarks, had “acknowledged that his actions were inappropriate,” AFP reported.

The 32-year-old superstar apologised late Thursday for the messages — part of an angry private exchange with actor and comedian Michael Rapaport — had emerged in the public domain.

ALSO READ | NBA: 2021 draft schedule announced, main draft on July 29

“I’m sorry that people seen that language I used,” Durant told reporters.

“That’s not really what I want people to see and hear from me, but hopefully I can move past it and get back out there on the floor.”

Durant lashed out at Rapaport in a series of direct messages sent via Instagram after the actor had criticised the former NBA Most Valuable Player’s conduct during a post-game television interview last December.

“I receive threats and disgusting messages DAILY, but never in my wildest dreams did I think @KDTrey5 (Durant) would be among them,” Rapaport wrote in a Twitter post containing multiple screenshots of the messages.

ALSO READ | NBA: Devin Booker stars in Phoenix Suns late win over Charlotte Hornets

“The Snake himself is now threatening me, bringing up my wife and wants to fight.”

Meanwhile, Durant said Thursday he is close to a return to action after several weeks on the sidelines since suffering a hamstring strain against Golden State in mid-February.

“I’m progressing pretty well,” Durant said. “Looking forward to being out there with my teammates pretty soon.”