Raptors GM apologizes for ‘F—k Brooklyn’ rant (VIDEO)

The general manager of the Toronto Raptors had a couple of choice words for the Brooklyn Nets before Game 1 of their first-round NBA playoff series and they weren't the friendly Hello Brooklyn New York fans have become accustomed to.

Speaking to several thousand fans in Maple Leaf Square outside of Air Canada Centre before the opening game Saturday, Toronto general manager Masai Ujiri ended his speech with “F— Brooklyn!” before handing the microphone off and exiting the stage to raucous cheers.

(WARNING: Video below contains profanity)

Ujiri then met with the media at halftime of the Nets’ 94-87 win, where he attempted to clear the air.

“Guys, I apologize,” Ujiri said. “I used [the] wrong choice of words out there. This thing is not really about me. It’s about the players, and the playoffs. I’m just trying to get the crowd up there [riled up]. It was a wrong choice of words. I apologize to kids out there, and to the Brooklyn guys. Nothing against them, I’m just trying to get our fans going.”

Nevertheless, Ujiri said he wasn’t answering any questions and tried to temper his foul mouthed enthusiasm.

“You know how I feel,” he said. “I don’t like them, but I apologize.”

It was a fitting way to kick off what should be a very competitive and entertaining playoff series between the two Atlantic Division rivals. The two teams engaged in four close games during the regular season, with each side winning two.