NHL Anaheim Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf will pay $10,000 for calling a referee a name too bad to print in BizCom in the News. People say it's homophobic, which technically it is, and it's just plain ugly. (Here's a detailed, NSFW analysis of the term, if you're so inclined.)

A statement on NHL's website, shown here, refers to " an inappropriate remark." The fine is the most allowed by the players' union.

In a statement called "luke warm," Getzlaf apologized, a little: 

A situation like that, where I'm on the bench by myself, frustration set in. There was obviously some words said, not necessarily directed at anyone in particular. It was just kind of a comment. I've got to be a little bit more responsible for the words I choose.

Definitely as a father, as somebody that takes a lot of pride in this game and the respect for it, it's tough to see somebody refer to it as (a gay slur). I didn't mean it in that manner in any way. For that to take that route was very disappointing for me. I do accept responsibility and I accept the fine.

Discussion:

• "There was obviously some words said." Help: What grammar problems do you see here?
• What make this a weak apology?
• Did the league take the right action? Some say Getzlaf deserved more of a punishment.
• What else should Getzlaf do or say?