INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Magic Johnson, who recently criticized teammates for irresponsible behavior, was suspended for three games and fined $10,000 yesterday for bumping a referee in the Los Angeles Lakers' game a day earlier.

He will be eligible to play again in the regular-season finale at Portland on Sunday night.

''I accept the league's fine and suspension and I want all the fans, the media and everyone associated with the Lakers to know that my actions were unprofessional and wrong,'' Johnson said in a statement issued by the Lakers.

''I apologize to Scott Foster, to all the NBA referees, and to the league and I hope they know, as I do, that the incident was accidental and that I respect them in their professionalism in what is a very difficult job. Hopefully, other players will learn not to even put themselves in a position to make contact with a referee when arguing calls in the future."