Roy Hibbert has spoken his mind and those comments will cost him big time – $75,000 in fact. Hibbert made two foot-in-mouth comments in the press conference following the Pacers Game 6 victory Saturday in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
The comment getting the most attention is viewed by some as a slur against the gay community, “When LeBron was scoring on the post and getting into the paint because he was stretching me out so much. No homo,” said Hibbert Saturday night in front of dozens of reporters and cameras.
Just a few weeks ago, NBA veteran Jason Collins announced he was gay, making him the first player in the league to be completely open about his sexuality. Hibbert supported him. He said a few weeks ago after practice, “People who are openly gay… obviously it takes a lot of strength and confidence to be able to come out publicly. The way how (Collins) did.”
But then that support came into question Saturday night. Hibbert made what some believe was an off-color remark.
Stephanie Swanson is an active member of Indy Pride, this week marks 25 years of advocating for gay lesbian issues. “I’m not particularly that offended by it,” she said. “He is just comfortable just making that sort of joke. I mean, it draws imagery not everybody is comfortable with – hearing that sort of joke,” said Swanson.
Hibbert has reached out Collins on Twitter: “@jasoncollins34 hey can I get a follow. Would like to discuss something’s with you.”
And Hibbert released a statement through the team Sunday morning: “I am apologizing for insensitive remarks made during the post game press conference after our victory over Miami Saturday night. They were disrespectful and offensive and not a reflection of my personal views. I used a slang term that is not appropriate in any setting, private or public, and the language I used definitely has no place in a public forum, especially over live television. I apologize to those who I have offended, to our fans and to the Pacers’ organization. I sincerely have deep regret over my choice of words last night.”
Saturday night, Hibbert scored 24 points and had 11 rebounds to help lead the Pacers into Monday’s Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Will his on-court action erase his off court language? “I feel like they should just talk about the Pacers and the way they played and the win, and just move on,” said Swanson.
NBA fines Hibbert
Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert has been fined $75,000 by the NBA for using inappropriate and vulgar language during post game interviews following the Pacers’ 91-77 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
“While Roy has issued an apology, which is no doubt sincere, a fine is necessary to reinforce that such offensive comments will not be tolerated by the NBA,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern.
In response to a question on why he was so low in the voting for NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Hibbert said, ”because y’all m—– f—— don’t watch us play throughout the year, to tell you the truth.”
“So that’s fine. I’m going to be real with you, and I don’t care if I get fined. We play and we’re not on TV all of the time and reporters are the ones that are voting, and it is what it is. And I don’t make it, that’s fine. I’m still going to do what I have to do.”
according to wthr.com
