"I've got to be a little bit more responsible … the words I choose."
The $10,000 fine is the maximum allowed under the NHL/NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
"Getzlaf's comment in Thursday's game, particularly as directed to another individual on the ice, was inappropriately demeaning and disrespectful, and crossed the line into behavior that we deem unacceptable," NHL senior executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell said in a statement. "The type of language chosen and utilized in this instance will not be tolerated in the National Hockey League."
In announcing the fine, the NHL said his comment was a violation of the League's policy, which "prohibits inappropriate and offensive remarks, and the use of obscene, profane or abusive language or gestures in the game."
Getzlaf said he wants to put the incident behind him.
"We talked to the League," he said. "I understand that it's my responsibility to not use vulgar language, period. Whether it's a swear word or whatever it is, we've got to be a little bit more respectful of the game and that's up to me and I accept that responsibility and we'll move forward.
"That's my responsibility … is to understand there's eyes and ears on us all the time. Fortunately enough, nobody heard it. If you can read lips, it's a little bit harder and I apologize for that. That's the thing you won't hear from me again. I hope I didn't offend anybody outside the circle that we trust."
