Gregg Popovich on Rajon Rondo’s comments: ‘It shows ignorance’
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich addressed the anti-gay slursKings guard Rajon Rondo made about NBA referee Bill Kennedy during a Dec. 3 game, The Washington Post’s Tim Bontemps reported Monday.
“Why would I be surprised?” Popovich told reporters. “You see it all the time. It’s unfortunate, it’s disgusting, because Billy is a great guy, and has been a class act on and off the court.”
After being ejected from the game, Rondo followed Kennedy down the sideline and, according to a game report provided by Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski, allegedly made statements such as, “You’re a mother------- f-----t” and “You’re a f----t, Billy.”
In a statement to Yahoo! Sports on Monday, Kennedy revealed he is gay.
“As far as anybody’s sexual orientation, it’s nobody’s business,” Popovich continued. “It just shows ignorance to act in a derogatory way toward anybody in the LGBT community. It doesn’t make sense. But surprised, of course not.”
• GOLLIVER: Now is not the time for Rajon Rondo to hide
Rondo, who was suspended for one game without pay because of the incident, declined to speak with reporters at Kings practice Monday. He instead commented on the matter via Twitter saying, “My actions during the game were out of frustration and emotion, period!
“They absolutely do not reflect my feelings toward the LGBT community. I did not mean to offend or disrespect anyone,” Rondo continued.
Kennedy has been an NBA referee for 18 seasons, working more than 1,000 regular season games and 68 playoff games.
