Morris apologizes over comments about opponent

NEW YORK — Marcus Morris was remorseful for his sexist comments after practice Friday, two days after he said his opponent on the Grizzlies — Jae Crowder — was soft and “woman-like” and had “female tendencies.”

Morris did not take questions.

“Just apologizing, deeply. My comments were unnecessary. I wasn’t even thinking when I was talking,” Morris said. “We have women referees, women coaches, I’m a big huge supporter of the WNBA, I have relationships with a few female players in the WNBA, and if I offended any of them I deeply, deeply apologize.

“I’ve had time to sit and reflect on my words, and it’s just unprofessional of me to refer to any of that in any terms of degrading or referring anything to the game of basketball that they put their heart into and coaching, just life in general. I’m deeply sorry and I apologize.”

Morris’ comments following Wednesday’s loss to the Grizzlies were criticized by the Knicks in a statement. However, the only announced punishment was from the NBA, which fined Morris for his role in a small fracas in the closing seconds of the Grizzlies game.

With Memphis up big, Crowder lined up for a rub-it-in-your-face 3-pointer. Knicks point guard Elfrid Payton pushed Crowder into the stands and Morris got involved in the ensuing scuffle (no punches were thrown). Payton and two Memphis players — Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marko Guduric — were suspended one game. Crowder and Morris were fined.

The Knicks play the Pacers on Saturday and did not make Payton available for comment.