Rajon Rondo Issues Stronger Apology for Gay Slur Toward NBA Ref

Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo has offered a stronger apology for directing a gay slur at veteran NBA referee Bill Kennedy.

Rondo was suspended one game by the NBA for directing a derogatory and offensive term toward Kennedy in the Kings' game against Boston in Mexico on Dec. 3. The Kings said his comments were disrespectful and offensive.

Rondo apologized Monday in a tweet, writing that his actions during the game "were out of frustration and emotion, period!" 

"They absolutely do not reflect my feelings toward the LGBT community," Rondo added. "I did not mean to offend or disrespect anyone."

His tweets were widely criticized as many felt the four-time All-Star's response to the incident, the only public comment he made, didn't do enough to show remorse.

Rondo issued a statement Tuesday addressing those who viewed his initial statement as a non-apology.

"I want to be clear, from the bottom of my heart that I am truly sorry for what I said to Bill. There is no place on or off the court for language that disrespects anyone's sexual orientation. That is not who I am or what I believe and I will strive every day to be a better person," the statement read.

Kennedy revealed he was gay in an interview with Yahoo Sports Monday, adding that he chose to come out in hopes of sending a message "that you must allow no one to make you feel ashamed of who you are."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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