Gay ref

While our league has made great progress, our work continues to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We stand against bigotry in all its forms," Seham said, per Wojnarowski. Kennedy also spoke about his decision to come out publicly, per Wojnarowski: "I am proud to be an NBA referee, and I am proud to be a gay man.

I wholeheartedly support Bill's decision to live his life proudly and openly. December 14, Retrieved December 14, ^ "Long-time Doc Rivers nemesis Bill Kennedy assigned to ref tonight's Game 3". Upon hearing of the incident, Kings head coach George Karl noted that " Rondo's homophobic comments were 'out of character,' a practice distraction, [and] he was 'disappointed' to hear it," according to Yahoo Sports' Marc J.

Kings general manager Vlade Divac told reporters Rondo "said something that's unacceptable. Bill Kennedy and Che Flores are gay and trans NBA referees. Divac said Rondo will also apologize to Kennedy personally. Gay qualities will continue to serve him well both as a game official and as a positive influence for others.

Rondo denied ever making the inflammatory remarks when pressed by league officials but declined to speak to the media following Kennedy's announcement. Rondo was suspended one game for his conduct and refusal to leave the court immediately after Kennedy, 49, assessed him consecutive technical fouls in the aforementioned contest.

Ben Taylor, a referee who worked the game with Kennedy in which Rondo was ejected, mentioned part of what the mercurial floor general said, including, "You're a motherf--king ft. The disciplinary action taken in Rondo's case ought to set a precedent and more strongly discourage such hate speech in the future.

Rondo eventually apologized via his Twitter account:. I am following in the footsteps of others who have self-identified in the hopes that will send a message to young men and women in sports that you must allow no one to make you feel ashamed of who you are.

Referee Bill Kennedy following

Yahoo Sports. You're a f--king ft, Billy. Retrieved December 14, ^ "Doc Rivers reportedly once used anti-gay slur against referee Bill. On behalf of the team, I apologize to Bill Kennedy for any harm this may have caused. Bill Kennedy's announcement comes after the NBA suspended Kings guard Rajon Rondo for his homophobic comments in a Dec.

3 game. The NBA has put Emirates patches on them despite anti-gay laws. Matt Fitzgerald Dec 14, ^ a b "NBA referee Bill Kennedy reveals he is gay; Rajon Rondo alleged to have made slur to him". While the world was not privy to Kennedy's sexual orientation at the time of the outburst, the retrospective context makes Rondo's alleged tirade all the more repugnant.

Throughout his year career with the league, Bill has excelled as a referee because of his passion, dedication and courage. Other game officials witnessed Rondo's unsavory antics.