Bill kennedy gay
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It was known around the league, it was obvious during a game Doc Rivers questioned his sexual orientation and I think that has stuck with Kennedy over the years and he has no love for Doc Rivers and the Boston Celtics.
Donaghy also tweeted about Kennedy and Rivers earlier this year:
Rivers, who now coaches the Los Angeles Clippers, denied using an anti-gay slur toward Kennedy in an interview Monday with NBC Sports:
That was not true.
“Look at the film. I did not mean to offend or disrespect anyone.”
Before coming out in 2015, Kennedy was outed by disgraced NBA referee Tim Donaghy in 2010.
In his 2016 interview with ESPN, Kennedy said he never felt simultaneously more relaxed about his sexual identity and yet skittish about it exploding on social media. He was named Knight of the Year for his athletic achievement in high school.
Rondo eventually apologized via X/Twitter and wrote, “They absolutely do not reflect my feelings toward the LGBT community. Furthermore, Bill is a successful and renowned referee who identifies as a gay man.
Kennedy’s professional journey has been in the open since the beginning of his NBA career.
At the time, the Kings’ head coach, George Karl, and general manager, Vlade Divac, apologized to Kennedy.
Not saying you shouldn’t ask the question, but it’s amazing nowadays that all you have to do is blog something or write something, and then it takes on its own life.
Rivers was fined $25,000 for publicly criticizing Kennedy in 2009 when he was the Celtics coach.
“[Kennedy] stood there and goaded me and goaded me and goaded me and stared at me,” Rivers said in 2009, according to the Boston Herald.
Kennedy attended Saint Mary’s Catholic High School and later graduated from Arizona State University. The NBA said Rondo was suspended for, “directing a derogatory and offensive term towards a game official and not leaving the court in a timely manner upon his ejection.”
Kings Vice President of Basketball Operations Vlade Divac said in a statement, “Rajon’s comment was disrespectful and offensive, and we wholeheartedly disapprove of any language that discriminates or disparages others based on sexual orientation or anything else.
According to Donaghy, Kennedy’s sexuality was no secret around the league.
Donaghy, who admitted to betting games he officiated and was sent to federal prison for his role in a gambling ring, was asked if there was a reason Kennedy seemed to have issues with then-Celtics coach Doc Rivers:
That’s a difficult question for me to answer because I certainly don’t want to offend anybody… I’m just gonna come out and say it like it is.
After that, he worked in the CBA for five years. “Throughout his 18-year career with the league, Bill has excelled as a referee because of his passion, dedication and courage. Would the players accept me?
via: ABC15
Kennedy further said that coming out as gay could’ve cost him his NBA job and could jeopardize his entire career, but in 2015, he thought enough was enough.
The NBA referee came out as gay but has kept other details about his personal life away from the public.
He isn’t available on social media and hasn’t shared anything about his partner or family.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Kennedy previously said his most memorable NBA assignment was his first NBA Finals: Game 3 of the 2010 Finals between the Celtics and the Lakers.
- In 2015, NBA head coach Doc Rivers denied using an anti-gay slur against Kennedy despite former NBA referee Tim Donaghy claiming Doc Rivers did so.
He’s apologized, and has been suspended by the NBA. On behalf of the team, I apologize to Bill Kennedy for any harm this may have caused.”
2. You almost have to win every game after that when that ref refs the game. Those qualities will continue to serve him well both as a game official and as a positive influence for others.
Sometimes, I hope I have more credibility than where that came from. So, Bill Kennedy’s net worth must be grand, considering his successful career.
Moreover, the outstanding NBA referee has fifteen years of high school officiating experience in Arizona. He also officiated two games in the WNBA Finals in 1998.