Fansided

After Rajon Rondo slurs, NBA referee Bill Kennedy reveals he is gay

By Kyle Franzoni

Dec 5, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; NBA referee Bill Kennedy (left) talks with Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (right) during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 99-84. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; NBA referee Bill Kennedy (left) talks with Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (right) during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 99-84. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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After his standoff with Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo, which is said to have included gay slurs, NBA official Bill Kennedy reveals he is a homosexual man.

The inclusion of gay men in professional sports still has a long way to go as 2015 comes to a conclusion. Still far too many men and women feel it necessary to keep their sexuality hidden rather flaunt it freely due to the exclusion that often takes place. It often takes a brave individual to stand up and be proud of who they are.

A brave individual like NBA referee Bill Kennedy.

Kennedy chose to come out publicly to Yahoo Sports on Sunday, revealing that he is a gay man in the sports world and that he is extremely proud of who he is.

"“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 declaration didn’t come easily. In fact, he had been an NBA official for 18 seasons prior to making his sexuality public. However, Kennedy could no longer keep his lifestyle private after the suspension of Rajon Rondo on Friday.

The NBA suspended Rondo for one game without pay after his tirade on  December 3rd. In that game, Kennedy issued Rondo a technical foul for arguing. Then, when the guard continued to stare him down, Kennedy gave Rondo a second technical, ejecting him from the game.

In the press release for the suspension, the NBA cited Rondo for, “a derogatory and offensive term towards a game official and not leaving the court in a timely manner upon his ejection.” However, tapes of the testimony of all game officials confirmed that the terms were homophobic in nature and were well beyond typical berating of a referee.

As such, it was only a matter of time before questions arose from the media about the nature of the comments. By getting out in front of it, Kennedy shows his strength of character and his resolve to live his life as he sees fit.

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