The NBA did not take any action against Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets or a veteran official who used the word "boy" during their confrontation in a game on Wednesday.

Referee Derrick Stafford called two quick technicals on Carter after he argued an out-of-bounds call in Detroit's 83-75 victory. A furious Carter went after the official following his ejection and seemed to bump Stafford.

"We have spoken to both Vince and Derrick about their exchange during Wednesday's game, and decided not to take any action with respect to the language that was used...," the league said in a statement.

The league said Stafford "expressed regret for his use of the word "boy," and we are persuaded that he did not use it with the intention of demeaning Vince."

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily January 4, 2009)