That's what the NBA ruled about the Vince Carter-Derrick Stafford incident in Auburn Hills Wednesday, even though one could argue the Nets were egregiously fouled, as the ejection of their scoring star contributed to them losing a game against the Pistons.

But the league said that no further action would be taken against the referee - whose use of demeaning language incited a very hot response from Carter in the second period - or against Carter, whom the league implied made inappropriate contact with the official.

Carter spoke on the issue after beating the Hawks, 93-91, with a 33-foot buzzer-beater in overtime last night.

"I'm just glad it's over," he said. "Whatever their decision would be, I just wanted to move on from it, there's no hard feelings. It's just a tough situation to be in, and it's unfortunate for the team, because we were in the ballgame and possibly could have won it. We don't know that, but I'm glad it's over and I'm glad I was able to play today and erase it."

The NBA's release read:

"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 or any inadvertent contact that may have occurred.

"However, we are going to make sure the two of them talk in the near future to clear up any misunderstandings that may remain about what was said during the argument."

The league also confirmed that Stafford, an African-American, "expressed regret for his use of the word 'boy,' and we were persuaded that he did not use it with the intention of demeaning Vince."

It was Lawrence Frank's turn to get thrown out in the second quarter last night, ejected for only the second time in his coaching career for arguing an offensive foul by Devin Harris with Luis Grillo seven minutes before halftime. The coach picked a good time for it: His team had started the game in a 7-for-24, 10-turnover rut, and once all the technical free throws fell, the Nets were in a 33-16 hole.

So as Brian Hill coached the team back from a 20-point halftime deficit, Frank watched the rest of the game from his office with GM Kiki Vandeweghe and video maven Pete Williams.

"When you watch on TV, you get a different perspective," said Frank, whose only other ejection was at San Antonio on March 10, 2007. "There was good reason for me to get thrown out. You're just trying to find a spark and change the rhythm of the game. I deserved to get thrown out."

So he'd do it again? "I'll do it every single game if it gets us wins," Frank said. "Hey, everyone will be fired up. Get L-Frank off the court. It will be good for our team."

Vandeweghe confirmed yesterday that there is a sudden, extraordinary shortage of backup point guards available - which is not good for his team, because the Nets are in the market.

"A lot of people are looking for a third point guard - look around the league, and it's always an important spot, and a tough one to fill," he said. "But point guards are at a premium every single year."