Sacramento Kings G Rajon Rondo responds to report of anti-gay slurs
Sacramento Kings point guard Rajon Rondo addressed Monday reports of his use of homophobic slurs during a December game.
Rondo allegedly called referee Bill Kennedy, who revealed he was gay Monday, a “mother------- f----t” during a Dec. 3 game in Mexico City. Rondo was suspended one game for directing derogatory language at an official and failing to leave the game in a timely manner. He commented on the matter via Twitter.
The Kings released a statement from owner Vivek Ranadivé and general manager Vlade Divac condemning the remarks.
Rondo is the first player to be suspended for language used on the court. Bulls center Joakim Noah and Lakers guard Kobe Bryant were fined for using anti-gay slurs toward a fan and referee, respectively.
Rondo declined to speak with reporters at Kings practice Monday. Kennedy has been an NBA referee for 18 seasons, working more than 1,000 regular season games and 68 playoff games.
“I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man,” Kennedy told Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski. “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.”
