The president of Maccabi Tel Aviv apologized on Monday to the NBA and the New York Knicks for the behavior of its coach, Pini Gershon, during an exhibition game at Madison Square Garden.

Gershon himself apologized in letters that were sent Monday to league commissioner David Stern and Knicks president Donnie Walsh.

"Having had time to reflect on my actions while our team was in New York, I would like to apologize to the New York Knicks franchise, the NBA and basketball fans not only at Madison Square Garden but throughout the country," Gershon wrote.

Gershon received two technical fouls and was ejected in the third quarter of an Oct. 18 loss to the Knicks, but refused to leave the court, as rules specify. The game was delayed about eight minutes before Gershon agreed to leave.

In his letter, Maccabi Tel Aviv president Shimon Mizrahi said Gershon should have left the court immediately instead of arguing with the officials.

The NBA confirmed that Stern received the letter. "The apology was unnecessary - and accepted," Stern said. "We have only the highest regard for Maccabi Tel Aviv, their ownership, coaches, players, and our longtime friend Shimon Mizrahi."

The Knicks did not comment.