Having a potty mouth is usually OK when you’re an artist or an actor or not Rick Ross rapping about rape. But when you’re an athlete, saying what’s on your mind can come with a hefty fine. Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert learned that lesson after he was fined for uttering a gay slur during a press conference.
The incident happened during a post-game press conference on Saturday, June 1 after the Pacers beat the Miami Heat. Hibbert was asked why he thought he landed at the No. 10 spot on the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year list, to which the center responded that he blamed the media for his low ranking.
“You know what? Because y’all motha—-as don’t watch us play throughout the year, to tell you the truth,” said Hibbert, adding that he didn’t care that he would be fined for his comment.
And the unabashed comments didn’t stop there. Later on, Hibbert talked about how LeBron James “stretched me out so much” on the defensive end and he followed his statement with the gay slur “No homo.”
And just as Hibbert predicted, the NBA fined him for $75,000 for his profane comments and he suffered a backlash from angry fans over his gay slur.
Sensing the need to redeem himself and make amends, Hibbert sent NBA free agent Jason Collins, who recently came out as gay, a message on Twitter asking if they could talk.
“@jasoncollins34 hey can I get a follow. Would like to discuss something’s [sic] with you,” tweeted Hibbert.
Hibbert also issued a formal apology to the LGBT community for his words via the Pacers’ official website.
“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,” wrote Hibbert.
We’re not sure how sincere Hibbert’s words are, but perhaps a few conversations with Collins will enlighten him about the many ways in which homophobia knowingly and unknowingly rears its ugly head. And since he made nearly $14.3 million for this season alone, we’re sure he’s not sweating a 75K fine.
But he’s not the only one with a potty mouth. Check out some other athletes who have made anti-gay comments below. – nicholas robinson
