Benjamin Apologizes to Clipper Fans

SEATTLE —  Seattle SuperSonic center Benoit Benjamin apologized Tuesday to Clipper fans for an obscene gesture he made at them during a loss to his former team in his return to the Sports Arena last Friday night.

Benjamin called his actions “totally unprofessional.”

Benjamin made the gesture toward the fans who booed him when he stepped onto the court and every time he touched the ball during the Clippers’ 109-90 victory.

“It hurt me to see that I was there for six years and when I come back, I get booed,” Benjamin said. “But what I did was totally unprofessional. I was wrong.”

He said his actions were especially deplorable because many of the fans were youngsters.

“I regret that I did it in front of kids. Kids are our future, and they look up to guys like me. (The booing) was just something that bothered me. I was there for six years. I played hard and tried to give my best effort, but it was totally unappreciated,” he said.

“Things like that happen (his reaction). I got carried away with my emotions. I’m going to work on not letting that happen again.”