Nuggets Rookie Elson apologizes for calling Kevin Garnett gay

DENVER (AP) Denver Nuggets rookie center Francisco Elson apologized Thursday for calling Kevin Garnett ''gay'' after the Timberwolves' star hit him in the groin during a game.

Elson contended Garnett intentionally hit him during Minnesota's 84-82 victory Tuesday night, and he made the remark the next day in practice.

Elson apologized after he was chastised by gay and lesbian groups.

''I realize my comments were insensitive and they were out of character for me,'' he said in a statement the team released. ''However, I take full responsibility and I have learned a valuable lesson.''

Garnett wouldn't comment on Elson's remarks or his apology.

''I really couldn't care less about what they're saying over there,'' he said. ''I don't even know half those guys' names. I'm just focused on winning this game and moving on.''

The Timberwolves lead the series 3-1, with Game 5 Friday in Minnesota.

Elson has been one of the leading instigators in Denver's physical approach against Garnett. The two had several heated exchanges in Game 3, which Denver won by 19, and it continued in Game 4.

Elson knocked Garnett into the seats behind the basket with a hard foul early in the game, and the two exchanged words after Garnett tangled with Marcus Camby while fighting for a loose ball. Elson and Garnett also reportedly yelled back and forth outside of Minnesota's bus after the game, and Elson kept the banter going with his comments Wednesday.

''That's a cheap shot by a low-class type player,'' Elson said. ''You don't do that. That's gay on his part. I told him that he was gay, too, for touching me in my private parts.''


wil.

The real truth:

DENVER (AP) Denver Nuggets rookie center Francisco Elson apologized Thursday for calling Kevin Garnett ''gay'' after the Timberwolves' star gropped him in the groin during a game.

Francisco contended Kevin intentionally groped him during Minnesota's 84-82 victory Tuesday night, but not enough and he made the remark the next day in practice.

Elson apologized after Kevin send him a bouquet.

''I realize my comments were insensitive and they were out of character for me,'' he said in a statement the team released. ''However, I take full responsibility and I have learned a valuable lesson. It didn't feel bad at all. It actually felt good.''

Kevin wouldn't comment on Elson's remarks or his apology.

''I really couldn't care less about what they're saying over there,'' Kevin said. ''I don't even know half those guys' names. I know the gay ones names but not the other guys. I'm just focused on winning this game and moving in with Francisco this weekend.''

The Timberwolves lead the series 3-1, with Game 5 Friday in Minnesota.

Francisco has been one of the leading penetrators in Denver's physical approach against Garnett. The two had several heated/hot exchanges in Game 3, which Denver won by 19, and it continued in Game 4.

Francisco knocked Kevin into the seats behind the basket with a hard foul early in the game, and the two exchanged words after Kevin groped Marcus while fighting for a loose ball. Francisco and Kevin also reportedly kissed back and forth outside of Minnesota's bus after the game, and Francisco kept the banter going with his comments Wednesday.

''That's a cheap shot by a low-class type player,'' Elson said. '' I want to be his only one, you don't grope Marcus in front of me. That's way too gay on his part. I told him that I was hurt, too, for not touching me in my private parts enough.''

Richard Simmons, reporting... Out

I had the Nugs 23-1 for the series but Garnett is a funny guy.
"I don't even know half their names"

I wish I didnt either. They must of went 1 for 30 at one point. I don't see the wolves getting out of round 2. No way.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BillDozer:
I had the Nugs 23-1 for the series but Garnett is a funny guy.
"I don't even know half their names"

I wish I didnt either. They must of went 1 for 30 at one point. I don't see the wolves getting out of round 2. No way.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
R u serious Bill? This is a tough squad. I have futures on a lot of other teams, and none on Minn. I really think they can make some noise. However, i hope you are right.

Nah, This team is terrible. They played hungry during the season when the rest of the West was on cruise control.

Denver could of won the game by 20, Anthony and Miller didn't show up and they almost had OT.

Spreewell is hitting from outside but the Wolves lost their 3 point threat when Wally went down.

What a sack a bones Olawakandi is. wow

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota's Kevin Garnett has won his first Most Valuable Player award, sources told The Associated Press on Sunday.



The Timberwolves said there would be a major announcement regarding Garnett on Monday afternoon at Target Center. Two team officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Garnett would receive the NBA's MVP award.



Players and coaches were unavailable for comment when word of Garnett's honor came, but it was not a surprise considering the season he had. Writers and broadcasters from each NBA market vote on the award, and ballots are due before the playoffs begin.



"That's just a formality," coach Flip Saunders said earlier this week. "I don't think there's much drama. It's pretty much signed, sealed and delivered. It's probably on a UPS truck coming up here right now."



San Antonio's Tim Duncan, who won the last two MVPs, and Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal were likely Garnett's closest competitors this season. But the 27-year-old forward, a seven-time All-Star, made his ninth NBA season his best yet.



Leading Minnesota to a 58-24 record and the top seed in the West, Garnett averaged 24.2 points and led the league with 13.9 rebounds. He also joined Larry Bird as the only players to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for five consecutive years.



Garnett, who established 11 single-season franchise records in 2003-04, has avoided much talk of individual awards and kept his focus on winning a championship.



"Anything that comes with that would be great," he said earlier. "It's a team game."



The Timberwolves host the Sacramento Kings in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series on Tuesday night.



Minnesota beat the Denver Nuggets in five games to end a league-record streak of seven straight first-round exits.


Associated Press.

He is deserving.