Rondo's Anti-Gay Tirade Towards Bill Kennedy

[Shamrocker]

So NBA referee Bill Kennedy is 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."

I'm going to assume that's not exactly a secret around the NBA.  So when Rondo was tossed vs. the C's a few weeks ago, he viciously tore into Kennedy's sexuality:

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------- (gay slur). … You're a f------ (gay slur), Billy."

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba-referee-bill-kennedy-reveals-he-is-gay--rajon-rondo-made-alleged-homosexual-slur-to-him-174255321.html

Deplorable.

[esel1000]

That is so inexcusable especially in this day and age... Rondo needs to realize that there are people who view him as a role model. Definitely deserved the ejection and suspension

[Donoghus]

Not good at all.  Indefensible.

[Sixth Man]

That is so inexcusable especially in this day and age... Rondo needs to realize that there are people who view him as a role model. Definitely deserved the ejection and suspension

I think that particular ship sailed long ago...

[Rondo2287]

Should get the Donald Sterling treatment

[saltlover]

It isn't defensible at all.  Also, similar actions by Doc were rumored to be the cause of a supposed vendetta against Doc by Kennedy.  The source of said rumor was none other than Tim Donaghy, but at the time Kennedy was not out, so at least that aspect of Donaghy's claim was correct.

http://redsarmy.com/2010/05/11/donaghy-claim-bill-kennedys-sexuality-at-root-of-hatred-for-doc/

[PhoSita]

Oh, Rajon.

I'm glad he did this in another uniform.

[ssspence]

Further proof that Rondo is an *******.

[indeedproceed]

Wow, surprised Rondo didn't get the book thrown at him.

[gift]

I guess he learned a thing or two from Doc after all.

[BballTim]

Wow, surprised Rondo didn't get the book thrown at him.

  Compare that to the multiple game bans racial comments get you in the EPL over a much shorter season. Compared to Kobe, though, he did get more of a punishment.

[PhoSita]

Wow, surprised Rondo didn't get the book thrown at him.

I'm surprised he only got a 2 game suspension.  Hate-fueled tirade at a ref, in the arena, on TV, including the use of a slur.  The league has an ongoing issue with players using homophobic slurs, too. 

[KG Living Legend]

 I mean, it's overboard. Good for the ref for coming out, but it's not a good idea, this may get worse now with other players.

 When players get mad they are going to take cheap shots, now this ref is going to need super human restraint when the next guy attacks him. His job is already tough. Good luck Bill.

[jpotter33]

It does not excuse his behavior at all, but I understand him being mad at him. Bill Kennedy has always been a... not so likable character, and Rondo didn't deserve to be thrown out of that game.

That being said, he should know better than to say that kind of stuff in his position where it will inevitably get out, but, then again, we're talkin about Rajon Rondo! 

[ssspence]

Wow, surprised Rondo didn't get the book thrown at him.

I'm surprised he only got a 2 game suspension.  Hate-fueled tirade at a ref, in the arena, on TV, including the use of a slur.  The league has an ongoing issue with players using homophobic slurs, too.

Agreed. You'd think Adam Silver would've laid down the law here. Probably should blow up in his face now, a little bit....