NBA player Roy Hibbert apologises after using homophobic slur
Professional basketball player Roy Hibbert has apologised for swearing and using homophobic language in an interview, saying the remarks were “not a reflection of my personal views”.
The Indiana Pacers centre called the media “motherfuckers” during an interview on Saturday, then went on to say of Miami Heat player LeBron James: “LeBron was scoring in the post or getting to the paint cause he was stretching me out so much — no homo.”
He said in a statement today: “I am apologizing for insensitive remarks made during the postgame 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.”
Hibbert also appears to have contacted recently out NBA player Jason Collins, sending him a tweet today which said: “hey can I get a follow. Would like to discuss something’s with you.”
Collins became the first Major League US sports star to come out as gay this year.
The NBA have not penalised Hibbert for the slur, but it is likely that they will do so.
