Latrell Sprewell was suspended for one game by the NBA on Tuesday for yelling a sexual vulgarity at a female fan during a game, the latest episode of a player clashing with spectators.
The penalty was more harsh than in the past for similar actions, which is likely due to the fallout from the Detroit brawl.
Sprewell responded to a female heckler with a sexually vulgar term that was clearly picked up by a courtside microphone and broadcast by television stations KTLA in Los Angeles and KSTC in Minnesota.
Commissioner David Stern has said the NBA needs to re-examine what will be tolerated in terms of civil behavior between fans and spectators, and Tuesday's penalty issued by league vice president Stu Jackson made it clear that vulgar exchanges won't be.
NBA spokesman Tim Frank said league policy prohibits directing obscenities at fans.
"Our policy is that you can't do it," he said. "When you do it, you're going to get suspended."