Foul on Hardaway

On Valentine's day, a day of love, hate reared its ugly head. Another celebrity has opened his mouth and in turn inserted his foot. This time it's former NBA star Tim Hardaway.

Hardaway was a guest on a Miami radio's "790 the Ticket" show. He was questioned about how he would deal with a gay teammate. This question because earlier this month retired NBA player, John Amaechi came out. Hardaway's response was less than tactful.

"First of all I wouldn’t want him on my team. Second of all, if he was on my team I would really distance myself from him because I don’t think that’s right and I don’t think he should be in the locker room when we’re in the locker room. Something has to give, If you have 12 other ballplayers in your locker room that's upset and can't concentrate and always worried about him in the locker room or on the court or whatever, it's going to be hard for your teammates to win and accept him as a teammate."

Radio host Dan LeBard told Hardaway that his remarks we bigoted and homophobic, to which Hardaway gladly agreed.

He went on to say that he hates gay people and that homosexuality shouldn't be in the world, or in the United States.

Audio of Hardaway's Comments

As a result of this the NBA has banned Hardaway from participating in the upcoming All Star weekend and other future appearances associated with the NBA. Commissioner David Stern released a brief statement against Hardaway's comments. "It is inappropriate for him to be representing us given the disparity between his views and ours."

Trinity Sports CEO Demetrius Ford, Hardaway's employer stated "Effective immediately, Mr. Hardaway is removed from the position of Trinity Sports’ Chief Basketball Operations Advisor, as well as all other duties associated with the Company, its affiliates and subsidiaries."

John Amaechi said in an interview with the Miami Herald that while Hardaway's comments were honest, they only hurt society. "His words pollute the atmosphere. It creates an atmosphere that allows young gays and lesbians to be harassed in school, creates an atmosphere where in 33 states you can lose your job, and where anti-gay and lesbian issues are used for political gain. It's an atmosphere that hurts all of us, not just gay people."

My Opinion: Hardaway deserves what he gets. It goes to prove that not all athletes are ideal role models for children.

Maybe Hardaway is gay. Let's analyze that. He plays a game were big sweaty men play with balls. Basketball players are always bumping one another. AND he played for a team whose logo is flames. Maybe Hardaway is just a self hater?

If we are ever going to be an all inclusive society we have to include homosexuals in all activities, including athletics. Amaechi has shown a great deal of courage by coming out, and even more by standing up to bullies like Hardaway.