Dec. 15, 2015 UPDATE: After some pushback from the community at large regarding Rajon Rondo's original tweets, Rondo released this statement today:
“Yesterday, I said that my words toward Bill Kennedy were unacceptable and did not reflect my feelings toward the LGBT community. Some have interpreted my comments as a non-apology. I want to be clear, from the bottom of my heart that I am truly sorry for what I said to Bill. There is no place on or off the court for language that disrespects anyone's sexual orientation. That is not who I am or what I believe and I will strive every day to be a better person.”
ORIGINAL: The Sacramento Kings management and player Rajon Rondo have apologized for gay slurs he directed at an official Dec. 3. Rondo made the comments after he was ejected from a game against the Boston Celtics.
The slurs were directed at referee Billy Kennedy, who announced to Yahoo Sports Sunday night that he is gay.
The Kings' Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager is Vlade Divac, he said in a statement, "Rajon has apologized and this is not the sort of behavior we condone nor is it representative of the Sacramento Kings organization."
He called Rondo's slurs "disrespectful and offensive, and we wholeheartedly disapprove of any language that discriminates or disparages others based on sexual orientation or anything else.”
Rondo was suspended for one game without pay for directing a derogatory and offensive term towards a game official and for not leaving the court in a timely manner upon his ejection.
Rondo tweeted an apology this afternoon.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement.
"I wholeheartedly support Bill's decision to live his life proudly and openly. 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."
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