Rajon Rondo issues second apology for slurs directed at referee

Steven J. Gaither

Rajon Rondo issues second apology for slurs directed at referee image

Sensing his initial apology may have left something to be desired, Rajon Rondo doubled down on it Tuesday.

The Kings guard issued a second, more in-depth public apology following his suspension for a homophobic slur aimed at referee Bill Kennedy earlier this month.

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“Yesterday, I said that my words toward Bill Kennedy were unacceptable and did not reflect my feelings toward the LGBT community. Some have interpreted my comments as a non-apology,” Rondo wrote in a statement released by the team. “I want to be clear, from the bottom of my heart that I am truly sorry for what I said to Bill.

“There is no place on or off the court for language that disrespects anyone's sexual orientation. That is not who I am or what I believe and I will strive every day to be a better person.”

The incident took place after Kennedy ejected Rondo from a Dec. 3 game against the Celtics in Mexico City. Rondo was suspended Friday by the NBA for one game — Tuesday's home contest against the Rockets.

Steven J. Gaither