Gay nba referee
It's not just a patch: NBA selling out its LGBTQ referees with puzzling sponsorship deal
There are few leagues historically better than the NBA and WNBA at including and respecting the LGBTQ community. Both leagues have seen trailblazing players and game officials. About 20% of WNBA rosters are openly LGBTQ, Outsports reported two years ago. Both leagues are amazing on this issue.
Which makes something the NBA has done so especially puzzling.
NBA referees must now wear multiple patches on their uniforms supporting Emirates. The NBA and the airline reached a deal in February for Emirates to serve as the official global airline of the NBA and WNBA.
On the surface, it's a standard deal leagues make all the time. But as Outsports recently reported this one is extremely different. That's because Emirates is owned by the government of Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai just might be the most anti-LGBTQ place on the face of the planet. Creature gay is outlawed in Dubai and the UAE.
Two of the refs who have to wear the patches? One is Bill Kennedy, who came out as gay ten years ago as a way to combat anti-gay sentiment in the league. The other is Che Flores, who i
Bill Kennedy: NBA referee reveals he is gay after Rondo insults
NBA commissioner Adam Silver stated: "I wholeheartedly support Bill's decision to live his life proudly and openly.
"Throughout his 18-year career with the league, Bill has excelled as a referee because of his passion, dedication and courage. Those qualities will continue to serve him well both as a game official and as a positive influence for others."
Kennedy, 49, has officiated 1,056 NBA games and 68 play-off contests, including five NBA Finals matches. He also worked at the 2010 World Championships and 2012 London Olympics.
He added: "I am following in the footsteps of others who have self-identified in the hopes that will mail a message to young men and women in sports that you must allow no-one to make you feel ashamed of who you are."
Kennedy is the second NBA referee to proclaim being gay after Violet Palmer made the same declaration in 2014 upon marrying her long-time partner.
Veteran NBA referee reflects on game-changing call he made in his personal being that broke barriers
ABC15 is celebrating Pride across the LGBTQ+ Community - and celebrating a hero on the hardwood at the same time.
But it's not a player, it's not a coach, and it's not a fan we're talking about --but instead, an officiant.
Usually, referees are not in the spotlight, but one Valley native and seasoned NBA referee made headlines for a personal call he made that had very petite to do with the game.
Twenty-six seasons later and NBA referee Billy Kennedy still runs the court just as fast as players half his age, including at this year's NBA Finals!
It all started right here in the Valley for this South Phoenix native.
Lenny Ignelzi/AP
"The Boys Club became a place where I could depart and enjoy and absorb and grow as a person," explains Kennedy. I started at 8 years old and when I got to 12 years old, there was a Saturday where the referee for the 8-year-olds didn't show up."
Kennedy would finish up making a life-changing decision; he volunteered to officiate the game for the 8-year-olds.
"It's been history ever since," he explains, with a smile during a recent interview with AB
Bill Kennedy
Bill Kennedy has officiated 1,420 regular-season games in 25 seasons as an NBA staff official. He has also worked 139 playoff games, including six NBA Finals games.
Kennedy considers his most memorable NBA assignment to be his first NBA Finals: Game 3 of the 2010 Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers.
In addition to his NBA service, Kennedy has five years of officiating trial in the Continental Basketball Association, including working the 1996 and 1997 CBA Finals. He also officiated two games in the 1998 WNBA Finals and has 15 years of high academy officiating experience in Arizona.
The Arizona native attended Arizona Mention University after graduating from St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix. While a student at St. Mary’s, he was named Knight of the Year in 1984 for his athletic achievements.
Kennedy’s charitable efforts include functional with former NBA official Tommy Nuñez in running the National Hispanic Basketball Classic to aid raise money for inner-city youth. He also works with the Boys & Girls Club of Phoenix.
Fun Facts
| Favorite Musician | Luther Vandross |
|---|---|
| Favorite Meal | Filet Mignon and a nice bottle of red |
| Would M |