NBA referee comes out of the closet

Earlier this week, NBA referee Bill Kennedy revealed he is gay. “I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man,” Kennedy told Yahoo Sports on Sunday night. “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.” Kennedy’s coming out comes on the heels of the explosive suspension of Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo. Rondo unleashed a firestorm of anti-gay slurs directed towards Kennedy following his ejection from a game in Mexico City earlier this month. Kennedy along with two other referees heard Rondo’s tirade, leading to his league suspension announced last Friday.

The NBA has thrown their support behind Kennedy and denounced Rando’s behavior. NBA commissioner said in a statement, “”I wholeheartedly support Bill’s decision to live his life proudly and openly. 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.”

Rajon Rondo is the third player suspended for using anti-gay slurs. Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls center were both separately fined by the NBA during the 2011 season.