UPDATE: Rajon Rondo responded to the public backlash Tuesday afternoon with an apology to referee Bill Kennedy for his insensitive remarks:
Kings guard Rajon Rondo apologizes to referee Bill Kennedy in new statement. pic.twitter.com/Tv7l5Zq9QK
— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) December 15, 2015
+++++
Rajon Rondo issued an apology (well, kind of) after it got out that he was suspended for uttering anti-gay slurs at referee Bill Kennedy.
The fiery point guard says he meant no harm; he lost his temper in the heat of the moment.
My actions during the game were out of frustration and emotion, period!
— Rajon Rondo (@RajonRondo) December 14, 2015
They absolutely do not reflect my feelings toward the LGBT community. I did not mean to offend or disrespect anyone.
— Rajon Rondo (@RajonRondo) December 14, 2015
The Sacramento Kings also addressed the controversy with a statement Monday, via team owner Vivek Ranadivé and GM Vlade Divac:
Statements from Vivek Ranadivé and 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.”
