18-year NBA referee veteran Bill Kennedy has officially announced that he is gay after a highly publicized altercation with Sacramento Kings point guard Rajon Rondo.
According to Yahoo! Sports, one of the league's top referees said "I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man."
He then added "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."
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his support towards Kennedy. "I wholeheartedly support Bill's decision to live his life proudly and openly," Silver said in a statement. "Throughout his 18-year career with the league, Bill has excelled as a referee because of his passion, dedication and courage. Those qualities will continue to serve him well both as a game official and as a positive influence for others. While our league has made great progress, our work continues to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity."
As per thebiglead.com, Rondo was ejected in game versus the Boston Celtics in Mexico City. Based on the replays, Rondo appeared to be silent and the ejection came to a surprise to most people. However, as seen in the official report by the referees, Kennedy and his fellow referee Ben Taylor said that Rondo said "You're a mother--- faggot. ... You're a f-- faggot, Billy" as he was thrown out.
It was reported by sacbee.com that Rondo tweeted his apologies and clarified his actions. "My actions during the game were out of frustration and emotion, period!" Rondo tweeted. "They absolutely do not reflect my feelings toward the LGBT community. I did not mean to offend or disrespect anyone."
Kings owner Vivek Ranadive apologized on behalf of his starting point guard. "Rajon's comment is not reflective of the culture of the Sacramento Kings organization or the world we want to live in," Ranadive said. "He's apologized, and has been suspended by the NBA. On behalf of the team, I apologize to Bill Kennedy for any harm this may have caused."
