Last week John Amaechi announced, er published, he is gay. This turned out to be a spot check for our nation to see if we're okay with the subject of homosexuality. Most passed. A few were stupid enough to express their true feelings. Tim Hardaway let it be known: "I HATE GAY PEOPLE."
There are places in our society, unfortunately, where comments like this are still acceptable..like at a KKK rally, for example...assuming Tim kept his hood on. Of course, Dave Chappelle, who reappeared courtside at last night's NBA's All-Star Game, already did this bit.
Hardaway apparently never saw the connection between hatred of gays and African Americans. Blacks were banned from many professional sports leagues and denied entrance into many schools simply because of the color of their skin. Now Hardaway would like to impose a similar ban on gays. Hardaway should be reminded that every million that he ever earned in his NBA career is the direct result of our society coming to its senses that equality and tolerance mattered.
Related articles
Hardaway has offered his apologies.
David Zirin on reactions to Amaechi.
Mitch Albom on homophobic locker rooms.
UPDATE: ESPN.com columnist Mary Buckheit writes her "coming out" column, even if she swore she never would.
This is a University of Arizona and Tim Hardaway fan.
Guess he felt safe that no one would clock him.
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