On Monday (26 September), at the Minnesota Timberwolves’ media day, Edwards took the opportunity to apologise in person for his actions.
It follows the 21-year-old sharing a story to his 1.2 million followers where he described a group of men as “queer-ass n****s”, before adding: “Look at the world I came to.”
The basketball player later apologised online calling his actions “immature” and “disrespectful”.
In a bid to prohibit the use of “offensive and derogatory” language the NBA slapped Edwards with a $40,000 fine (around £35,000).
A recording of the media day event shows Anthony Edwards looking uncomfortable.
Anthony Edwards apologizes for the anti-gay comments he made during the offseason.
"I respect everybody. I know what I posted was immature. And I’m sorry for that, if I hurt anyone." pic.twitter.com/YVo2deeNc8
— ESPN (@espn) September 26, 2022
He says: ”Man, I respect everybody. I know what I posted was immature. And I’m sorry for that, if I hurt anyone.
“I’m working with the team and I’m sorry to all the Minnesota fans, and I’m working to be better.”
Edwards said he recognised the hurt his post caused and said he is looking to do better in the future.
In the hope of gaining back respect from the LGBTQ+ community Edwards said: “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make it right.”
On behalf of Edwards’ team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tim Connelly said: “We are disappointed in the language and actions Anthony Edwards displayed on social media.
“The Timberwolves are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming organisation for all and apologise for the offence this has caused to so many.”
It’s not the first time the NBA has fined one of its players thousands of dollars for vile homophobic language. Last year it fined Kevin Durant $50,000 after a heated back-and-forth with actor Michael Rapaport.