“You’re a mother fucking faggot. … You’re a fucking faggot, Billy.”

There are times in life when a certain sensitivity is needed, times where despite what we’re taught to the contrary, words do hurts.  This day and age the world is often seen as hyper sensitive, a world where kids are purportedly shielded from the evils of the world yet they are more inclined to participate more than ever before.  Simply put, some habits are born in one’s youth in this look at me world that we inhabit.  Cultural impacts and various up bringing’s aside; some words should never be spoken, some innuendos should never be brought to the light, and some habits, no matter how destructive should ever be birthed.

During a game on December 3rd between the Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics, Kings’ G Rajon Rondo was ejected by veteran referee Bill Kennedy after being charged with two consecutive technical fouls.  Rondo then defied the NBA’s protocol when he failed to immediately leave the court but instead chose to stalk Kennedy who had retreated to the sideline.  Referee Bernie Adams was credited with affirming the following:

Per Yahoo!

Rondo aggressively pursued referee Bill Kennedy and had to be restrained by teammates and escorted off the floor by Sacramento team security.

Kennedy, Adams and a 3rd official confirmed the reports during an investigation by the NBA.

Rajón Rondo was suspended for 1 game without pay and that’s where the story was supposed to end……

One Man’s Truth 

It was revealed Monday morning that referee Bill Kennedy is a homosexual.  There was no outing, no scandal or attempt at blackmail; there was simply one man’s truth, a truth that displayed a sense of power and control and a truth that set forth in motion the events of the day.

“I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man,” Kennedy told Yahoo Sports. “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.”

The move prompted NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to release the following statement to support Kennedy.

“I wholeheartedly support Bill’s decision to live his life proudly and openly,” Silver told Yahoo Sports in a statement. “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.”

An Admission of Guilt 

Rondo was only the 3rd player in the history of the NBA to be punished for using a gay slur following Chicago Bulls F/C Joakim Noah in 2011 and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers during the same season.

When initially pressed by the league on what transpired Rondo initially denied that the comments were made but as the day grew old, so did its truth.

Shortly following the revelation by Kennedy, the Sacramento Kings released a joint statement via owner Vivek Ranadive and GM Vlade Divac:

“Rajon’s comment was disrespectful and offensive, and we wholeheartedly disapprove of any language that discriminates or disparages others based on sexual orientation or anything else,” said Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Vlade Divac. “Rajon has apologized and this is not the sort of behavior we condone nor is it representative of the Sacramento Kings organization.”

“Rajon’s comment is not reflective of the culture of the Sacramento Kings organization or the world we want to live in,” said Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé. “He’s apologized, and has been suspended by the NBA. On behalf of the team, I apologize to Bill Kennedy for any harm this may have caused.”

Rondo himself even took to social media to try to sway the brewing storm:

At this current time the NBA isn’t expected to impose any further action toward’s Rondo but that doesn’t mean that the story is over, merely a chapter has been read.  The revelation of one’s ignorance revealed a beautiful truth of another, a truth that will strengthen him as the perpetrator suffers the shame and embarrassment that he tried to inflict upon the victim.  Should the Kings decide to impose their own justice against Rondo?  Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain; words that were meant to inflict pain can often be used as a powerful weapon for change….