Roy Hibbert had already done the damage by using foul language and dropping a homophobic slur after the Indiana Pacers beat the Miami Heat on Saturday to force a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals, but on Sunday he attempted to soften the blow by releasing a statement to apologize for both.
Roy Hibbert apologizes for ‘insensitive remarks’ after Pacers win
Indiana Pacers forward Roy Hibbert released a statement to apologize for using a homophobic remark and swearing after his team’s Game 6 win against the Miami Heat.
Ronald Martinez
“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 first got on rocky ground when asked how he could finish 10th in the Defensive Player of the Year voting despite playing so well.
“Y’all motherf--ers don’t watch us play throughout the year to tell you the truth,” Hibbert responded. “So that’s fine. I’m going to be real with you, and I don’t care if I get fined.”
It only got worse later on. While talking about LeBron James' ability to stretch the defense, Hibbert said, "LeBron was scoring in the post or getting to the paint cause he was stretching me out so much -- no homo."
The NBA has yet to punish Hibbert for either of his comments, but it's likely the homophobic comment will cost the Pacers center. The league fined Kobe Bryant $100,000 for using a homophobic slur while on the bench in 2011.
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