Bill Kennedy, Top NBA Referee, Announces He's Gay After Rajon Rondo Sacramento Kings Ejection

Bill Kennedy, longtime NBA referee, has announced that he is gay. Kennedy's announcement comes on the heels of the NBA's suspension of Sacramento Kings guard, Rajon Rondo, who allegedly yelled anti-gay slurs following his ejection from a game on Dec. 3 in Mexico City--a game that Kennedy refereed.

"I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man," Kennedy said, via Yahoo! Sports. "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."

After Kennedy ejected Rondo in the Kings game against the Boston Celtics for multiple technicals, Rondo failed to leave the court immediately, an action that is mandated by the league. Instead, the guard hounded Kennedy for the decision, reportedly using a few choice words.

As a result, the NBA suspended Rondo on Friday. They cited the guard had been punished for "directing a derogatory and offensive term towards a game official and not leaving the court in a timely manner," that according to Yahoo! Sports.

Rondo has since made a public apology via Twitter, saying that his "actions during the game were out of frustration and emotion," adding that "They absolutely do not reflect his feelings toward the LGBT community."

My actions during the game were out of frustration and emotion, period!

— Rajon Rondo (@RajonRondo) December 14, 2015

They absolutely do not reflect my feelings toward the LGBT community. I did not mean to offend or disrespect anyone. — Rajon Rondo (@RajonRondo) December 14, 2015

Despite the alleged slurs by Rondo in a heated situation, Kennedy's announcement is one that is met with great encouragement. For instance, NBA commissioner Adam Silver had this to say, via Yahoo! Sports:

"I wholeheartedly support Bill's decision to live his life proudly and openly," Silver said. "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, who is in his nearing 20 years in the league, is the second NBA referee to come out as gay. Referee Violet Palmer came out publicly in the summer of 2014, although she had been out amongst her fellow officials since 2007.