Charlotte Hornets guard KJ Simpson apologized early Wednesday morning to Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells after Wells had to be stretchered off the floor following a foul by Simpson in Tuesday’s Grizzlies vs. Hornets game.

Wells suffered a broken wrist at the game at the Spectrum Center but was alert later in the hospital. He posted a photo of himself on Instagram late Tuesday night with the caption “Go Grizz.”

“I know we already spoke and are good friends bro but again I just wanted to express not only to J but to his family as well how deeply sorry I am,” Simpson wrote on X.” I would never purposely do that to anyone. I’m just extremely sorry.”

Wells replied to the tweet.

“Much love brother,” he wrote. “Thank you.”

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Memphis won the game, 124-100.

Simpson reiterated the message in a pair of follow-up tweets.

“Especially with the talent J is,” Simpson wrote. “I know he’s gonna be special and just from the many times our paths have crossed I’m blessed to know he’s an even better person with an amazing story. I just wanted to again say sorry to J and his family I can’t say it enough.”

On a breakaway dunk in Tuesday’s game, Simpson chased wells from behind and undercut him as he went up to the basket to score. Wells was down for an extended period of time as players gathered to pray. Simpson was issued a flagrant-2 foul and ejected.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at [email protected] or on X @thejonahdylan.