Rajon Rondo, NBA Player Who Called Ref A ‘F****t’ Literally Copied His Non-Apology From Kobe Bryant
It’s bad enough when your apology makes clear you’re not sorry. It’s worse when it’s plagiarized.
On Monday, news broke that NBA referee Bill Kennedy had been called a “faggot” by Rajon Rondo, which led to a one game suspension for the Kings’ point guard. That news came out because Bill Kennedy did also, and was heralded as a hero for why he chose to do so.
To be clear, here’s what Rondo said:
“You’re a mother———- faggot. … You’re a f——— faggot, Billy.â€
Some news sources repeated what Celtics’ General Manager Vlade Divac had said in a statement, that Rondo “apologized.” But Rondo did not apologize at all, at least not publicly, nor to Kennedy.
Rondo did post two tweets yesterday, which, together or separately do not in any way, shape, or form, say, “I’m sorry,” or convey any regret whatsoever:
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
But now, as USA Today’s Sam Amick reports, as bad as they are, those tweets were not only insincere, they were plagiarized.
Another question for Rondo: why his explanation looks strangely similar to Kobe’s in 2011 https://t.co/sG9UsOOAoR pic.twitter.com/pXzPBCuVOH
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) December 15, 2015
Outsports’Â Cyd Zeigler compares the two players’ apologies:
KOBE:Â My actions were out of frustration during the heat of the game, period.
RONDO:Â My actions during the game were out of frustration and emotion, period!KOBE:Â The words expressed do NOT reflect my feelings towards the gay and lesbian communities and were NOT meant to offend anyone
RONDO:Â They absolutely do not reflect my feelings toward the LGBT community. I did not mean to offend or disrespect anyone.
Pathetic.
Â
Image: Screenshot via YouTube
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.