Sacramento Kings G Rajon Rondo responds to report of anti-gay slurs

Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo responded on Twitter to reports of his use of anti-gay slurs.

Sacramento Kings point guard Rajon Rondo addressed Monday reports of his use of homophobic slurs during a December game.

Rondo allegedly called referee Bill Kennedy, who revealed he was gay Monday, a “mother------- f----t” during a Dec. 3 game in Mexico City. Rondo was suspended one game for directing derogatory language at an official and failing to leave the game in a timely manner. He commented on the matter via Twitter.

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

The Kings released a statement from owner Vivek Ranadivé and general manager Vlade Divac condemning the remarks.

Kings statement on Rajon Rondo from owner Vivek Ranadive and GM Vlade Divac. pic.twitter.com/WVEk5u2LUe

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) December 14, 2015

Rondo is the first player to be suspended for language used on the court. Bulls center Joakim Noah and Lakers guard Kobe Bryant were fined for using anti-gay slurs toward a fan and referee, respectively. 

Rondo declined to speak with reporters at Kings practice Monday. Kennedy has been an NBA referee for 18 seasons, working more than 1,000 regular season games and 68 playoff games.

“I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man,” Kennedy told Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski. “I am following in the footsteps of others who have self-identified in the hopes that will send a message to young men and women in sports that you must allow no one to make you feel ashamed of who you are.”