Hibbert Regrets Homophobic Slur in Press Conference
Published On June 2, 2013 |
The Indiana Pacers evened their series with the Miami Heat at three games apiece. The focus turned away from the game and towards Pacers C Roy Hibbert’s postgame comments.
Hibbert was asked about his help defense against LeBron James with teammate Paul George and dropped the homophobic slur “no homo”
The phrase “no homo” is used by straight men when they compliment another man but don’t want to seem gay after giving the compliment.
Hibbert used the phrase and reached out to free agent C Jason Collins, who came out earlier this year. He expressed his regret through a statement via the organization:
“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.”
Pacers head coach Frank Vogel sympathized with Hibbert regarding his comments. “”It was simple,” Vogel said. “I support him. I know he’s not that person to do something like that or use those words. That it was a mistake. He knows he’s wrong; I don’t have to tell him he’s wrong. And just to understand we all love him and we’re going to help him move past it very quickly.”
Vogel reiterated that he supports his center and hopes Hibbert can move on from these comments.
