Rajon Rondo: ‘No place’ for language toward referee Kennedy
Sacramento Kings point guard Rajon Rondo issued a second apology statement regarding his use of offensive language toward referee Bill Kennedy.
Rondo was suspended one game for directing anti-gay slurs at Kennedy during a game Dec. 3 against Boston. Rondo was ejected and reportedly followed Kennedy along the sidelines as he went on an obscene verbal tirade.
Since the incident, Kennedy has revealed that he is gay. Rondo declined to speak with reporters at practice Monday. After Rondo apologized in a pair of tweets on Monday, he responded again Tuesday after his comments were interpreted as lukewarm in their sincerity.
“Yesterday, I said that my words toward Bill Kennedy were unacceptable and did not reflect my feelings toward the LGBT community,” Rondo said in the statement. “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.”
• GOLLIVER: Now is not the time for Rondo to hide after alleged slurs
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was among those outspoken in defense of Kennedy and critical of Rondo.
Rondo will serve his suspension Thursday when the Kings host the Houston Rockets.
- Jeremy Woo
