Bill Kennedy is gay! Who cares?
Monday, the news broke that Kennedy had come out as a homosexual to Yahoo Sports and the social media world blew up. To me, the true story here is not Kennedy's well known sexuality, but the manner in which he felt compelled to reveal it publicly.
On December 3rd, the Sacramento Kings and Boston Celtics traveled to Mexico City. The storyline should have been Rajon Rondo squaring off against his former team. Celtics fans are well aware of Rondo's poor temperament and immature actions when things don't go his way. I have been vocal about my disdain for Rajon since 2009. On December 3rd, CLNS Radio broadcasted a pregame show in which I again vocalized my lack of respect for #9. As usual, the Rondo-lovers came to his defense with unconditional love gushing from the call lines. I hope the the news that broke on Monday proves to Rondo fans exactly what I have been saying since 2009. Rondo's talent is never questioned, his immaturity and irresponsibility is questionable. Okay, Rondo-rant over.
It was no shock that Rajon Rondo was ejected from that game for taunting the officiating crew. Rondo had what, at the time, seemed to be the regular-Rondo glare and temper tantrum for Bill Kennedy that found him dismissed from the court. Only Monday did we did we find out what exactly how torrid the incident was. Rondo, having to be pulled from the court by teammate Demarcus Cousins, unleashed an onslaught of discrimination and vulgar slurs at Kennedy regarding his sexuality. According to 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------- fa...ot. … You're a f------ fa..ot, Billy."
On Monday, Bill Kennedy felt compelled to reveal his sexuality. His statement stated that he hoped his revelations will send a message to young men and women in sports not to feel ashamed of who they truly are. I really do congratulate Kennedy on his sentiments. I applaud his courage for making the statement in the first place. I am just sad at the fact that discrimination and hate slurs are what provoked Kennedy to come out.
Like I said, this has been no secret to me or CLNS Radio. We've known Kennedy was gay for many years and we never cared. I respected Bill for his ability to make it to an NBA officiating position; quite a big accomplishment. I still think he is a deplorable NBA official. Gay or not, my opinions of Kennedy have not changed... Basketball and officiating aside, I congratulate Bill today. Hopefully this leads to a happier life for him.
Here's the original episode where Tim Donaghy told all of Boston that his former co-worker was a homosexual and why he and Doc Rivers disliked one-another.
comments are at the 1 hour, 6 minute mark:
