Randle still may pay price with fans

BOSTON — Julius Randle didn’t get a free pass from the NBA on Saturday and it is to be determined whether he will get a free pass from the fans he may have insulted when the Knicks return home Monday. Despite the long apology he issued Friday night on Instagram at the encouragement of the Knicks and his team at Creative Artists Agency, Randle has been fined $25,000 by the NBA for two incidents of “egregious use of profane language” this week, relating to fans. Randle made his comments to the media on two separate occasions — following the Knicks’ 108-105 victory over the Celtics on Thursday and after practice on Wednesday. The Knicks completed their home-and-home against Boston with a 99-75 loss Saturday night. After the miracle win Thursday over the Celtics, Randle was asked about the thumbs-down gesture he made after a driving basket in the fourth quarter. He said the meaning was to “shut the f--k up.’’ (The fans had booed the team in the second quarter when they fell behind by 25 points).

On Wednesday, Randle, when asked if he felt unappreciated, had said he doesn’t “give a f--k” what others think about his game as long as his teammates and management appreciate his work.

After co-starring with RJ Barrett and scoring 30 points Tuesday in the Knicks’ win over the Pacers, Randle blew off the media. That alone could have been a fineable offense.

The NBA issued a memo five weeks ago warning players about cursing during interviews. Randle was the example — likely because the curse words were directed at the people who indirectly pay his salary. It should be noted the NBA looked the other way when Randle verbally pounded the referees in late November in a postgame press conference.

The Post obtained the memo on refraining from cursing, which reads, in part:

“The purpose of this memo is to remind all team employees — particularly players and coaches — of the importance of maintaining professional decorum when communicating in public, such as during press conferences or media interviews. The fans who support our league follow these communications closely as a means of staying connected to their favorite players, coaches, and teams. Under league rules, team employees should be respectful in their communications, and refrain from using profane or objectionable language or gestures.’’