Remember when Rajon Rondo was ejected by referee Bill Kennedy during the Kings game against the Celtics? The league claims Rondo blasted Kennedy with a gay slur:
In the game officials’ report used as part of the NBA’s investigation – which includes details provided to Yahoo Sports from National Basketball Referee’s Association general counsel Lee Seham – Kennedy and fellow referee Ben Taylor described Rondo’s post-ejection diatribe as including the statements: “You’re a mother——- faggot. … You’re a f—— faggot, Billy.”
Seham reported that a third official, Bennie Adams, outside of hearing distance, “affirmed that Rondo aggressively pursued referee Bill Kennedy and had to be restrained by teammates and escorted off the floor by Sacramento team security.”
The three officials – Kennedy, Taylor and Adams – confirmed those reports in taped interviews conducted by NBA security on Dec. 4, Seham said.
Kennedy released a statement to Yahoo! Sunday announcing he’s gay:
“I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man,” Kennedy told Yahoo Sports on Sunday night. “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.”
Kennedy’s sexuality wasn’t much of a secret, at least according to disgraced former official Tim Donaghy. He claims it was at the root of a long-running spat between Kennedy and Doc Rivers.
I doubt the one game suspension – which I believe is light – is the end of this story. As Woj explains, Rondo hasn’t admitted guilt. Will he maintain innocence and fight the NBA? Or will he admit guilt and make the apology tour?
I find the comments despicable and I lost a lot of respect for Rondo – a player who remains beloved by many fans including my 6-year-old son.
UPDATE: Rondo refused to speak with the Sacramento media but Vlade Divac relayed this:
Kings GM Vlade Divac said Rajon Rondo told him today, "He feels bad and didn't mean to offend anyone. It was in the heat of frustration."
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) December 14, 2015
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