USA/PUR - Barea to Bynum: 'Apology accepted'

DALLAS (NBA) - Dallas Mavericks guard Jose Barea has accepted Andrew Bynum's apology for the Los Angeles Laker center's brutal hit to the chest during the Mavs' Game 4 blowout win.

The Puerto Rican playmaker crashed to the floor but fortunately ended up with only bruised ribs and a bruised left hand.

Bynum apologized for the unsavory incident on Tuesday before being slapped with a five-game suspension and $25,000 fine and Barea said after the Mavs' practice one day later: "I believe him.

"He regrets fouling me.

"He regrets what he did. I think he means well and it's just a mistake that can happen to anybody."

Bynum had said: "My actions ... don't represent me, my upbringing, this franchise or any of the Laker fans out there that want to watch us and want us to succeed.

"Furthermore, and more importantly, I want to actually apologize to JJ Barea for doing that.

"I'm just glad that he wasn't seriously injured in the event and all I can say is, I've looked at [the video replay], it's terrible and it definitely won't be happening again."

FIBA