NBA ref comes out as gay following reported homophobic slurs from Rondo

A landmark announcement from an NBA official has been tarnished by reports of intolerance.

Veteran referee Bill Kennedy has come out as gay, telling Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, "I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man.

"I am following in the footsteps of others who have self-identified in the hopes that will send 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's groundbreaking announcement has been overshadowed by Wojnarowski's report that Rajon Rondo's one-game suspension last week was due to him directing a series of homophobic slurs Kennedy's way during a game earlier this month.

According to Wojnarowski, Kennedy and other officials heard Rondo utter the slurs after being ejected from a Dec. 3 loss to the Boston Celtics in Mexico City.

Two independent experts reviewing the footage, under NBA procedure, reportedly confirmed Rondo's comments, but according to Wojnarowski, Rondo denied making the comments when questioned by league officials.

When the league suspended the Kings point guard, it announced that it was due to "directing a derogatory and offensive term towards a game official and not leaving the court in a timely manner."

"The NBA referees stand by Bill Kennedy for the job he does and who he is," National Basketball Referee's Association general counsel Lee Seham told Wojnarowski. "We stand against bigotry in all its forms."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver added his support for Kennedy's announcement. "I wholeheartedly support Bill's decision to live his life proudly and openly," Silver told Wojnarowski.

"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. While our league has made great progress, our work continues to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity."

Kennedy, an 18-year veteran, is the second NBA official to come out as gay after Violet Palmer did so in 2014.

In 2013, Jason Collins became the first openly gay active player following his announcement to Sports Illustrated. Six years earlier, retired player John Amaechi came out as gay.