Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert apologized on Sunday for an anti-gay slur made during post-game comments after a home victory over Miami in the NBA playoffs.
After the game, Hibbert used the slur phrase “no homo” when talking about defensive work alongside teammate Paul George against Miami star LeBron James.
“I am apologizing for insensitive remarks made during the postgame press conference after our victory over Miami Saturday night,” Hibbert said in a statement released by the Pacers.
“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.
“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.”
After the game, Hibbert reached out to Jason Collins, the NBA free agent who in April became the first openly gay athlete in a US men’s team sport, in a Twitter posting, saying he had something he wanted to discuss with Collins.
The Pacers and defending NBA champions Miami are level at 3-3 in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Final with the winner of game seven on Monday at Miami to face San Antonio in the NBA Finals starting on Thursday.
Pacers' Hibbert apologizes for anti-gay remarks
