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2:20 p.m. ET, 2/15/07

Tim Hardaway: Moron

Posted by Jack McCallum
Tim Hardaway has created a new legacy for himself by saying what he feels about gay people.
Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images
Before his memorable interview on a Miami radio station Tuesday afternoon, Tim Hardaway was destined to go down as the hard-as-nails king of the crossover dribble. Now he'll go down as something else: The hard-as-nails king of the crossover dribble and an utter moron.

There is no other word to describe Hardaway. He is a moron. He would never have been confused with a Rhodes Scholar when he was playing, but it wasn't until Tuesday that the utter depths of his ignorance showed through.

By now you know that when asked about former player John Amaechi's coming-out-of-the-closet memoir, Hardaway told host Dan LeBatard: he wouldn't want a gay player on his team; he would ask that a gay player be traded; it would be hard to win with a gay teammate; a gay teammate shouldn't be in the locker room with other teammates; and, finally, to wrap it all up, "I don't like gay people, and it [homosexuality] shouldn't be in the world or the United States."

Hardaway has since, predictably, offered a tepid apology but not a retraction. Nor should he. His words were chosen carefully. He meant what he said. In fact, I've already heard Hardaway being defended for "speaking his mind" and that "he has as much right as anyone to give his opinion." Of course he does. I'm not questioning Hardaway's right to say what he feels -- I'm criticizing the hatred and ignorance that is in Hardaway's mind, which is the mind of a moron.

It would be a mistake to take the opinions of morons like Hardaway and declare them to be the defining sensibility of the Sports World, whatever that might be. I'm not sure that sensibility can be easily defined. But now that Hardaway's comments and the overall subject of homosexuality in sports are out there, it's time for clear-thinking team leaders to step forward and do the right thing. That's you Shaquille O'Neal, you Kobe Bryant, you Steve Nash, you Dirk Nowitzki, you Ray Allen. It's time for you to say that what came out of King Crossover's mouth is crap and that anyone who feels that way is a moron.

You don't have to use that word, though. It's pretty strong. But it's also accurate.
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Comments:

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Posted: 3:32 PM   by Anonymous
Moronic of you to call him a moron? Maybe.
Posted: 3:34 PM   by William F.
Hardaway should have chosen his comments better. No one should be hated. Hate the SIN, not the SINNER. There is a difference.
Posted: 3:34 PM   by Oscar
Right on Jack! Hardaway's actions can only be described as moronic. Anyone with so much hate in their hearts and minds is absolutely pathetic. And I wouldn't at all be surprised if Timmy was a closet case too with his supremely strong homophobia. If I find out he's Catholic too, case closed.
Posted: 3:35 PM   by rltree
Who cares. Freedom of speech is still free last time I checked.
Posted: 3:35 PM   by Anonymous
Media personnel get to prop up their opinions as intelligent and thought-provoking, but a former athlete provides his opinion and he is a moron. If he feels that way, then so be it. By the way, who really cares if Amaechi is gay? The media played this out so much more than what it is worth.
Posted: 3:36 PM   by Anonymous
People that say they HATE others need to understand that those uninformed comments are no different than racial or religous hatred. It is a form or similar to the illogical rasist ideas/ideals.
The world needs to stop hating and attempt to respect others ways of lives, religions and race.
Posted: 3:36 PM   by Anonymous
Excellent and I agree 100% - Haraway is a complete moron. As a black male, Haraway should understand just how painful discrimination can be. Clearly, he is no better the the Nazis.
Posted: 3:37 PM   by Anonymous
Wow, what an idiot he is. I have always wondered why people care about who is gay, and who is not. I could care less. In pro sports or in office settings: What goes on in their bedrooms is none of my business, and I don't want it to be.
Posted: 3:37 PM   by Anonymous
I never knew it was against our civil liberties to be censured. Hardaway feels that way because of either religion or personal experience. Either way, you nor I cannot stop him and if professionl athletes felt so strong about their homosexuality, then let them "come out of the closet".
Posted: 3:37 PM   by gc
I think on this front we should recognize the reasonable and fairly enlightened comments made by Doc Rivers and Isiah Thomas on the topic last week. I was encouraged last week to read them. On one hand, that shows the sad state of the debate on this issue, since those comments, which basically said "I don't have a problem with it, and I would make sure no one on my team does, either", are simply the position that every boss/employer should hold, and the one that has become accepted in most other professional settings. But this is a case where I think we should be "focusing on the good news, too", since it shows that important people in positions of power are actually supportive, and the NBA is not just a monolithic wall of ignorance and homophobia.
Posted: 3:37 PM   by Anonymous
That is a little harsh, outright calling him a moron. His statement was a little over the top, but in this country we have a right to free speech. It is just as bad to call hardaway a moron for disliking homosexuals as it is to call someone a moron for being a homosexual. Refute his point, but dont attack the person personally or you sink to their level. Bashing a gay basher is just a cheap media stunt to draw viewers.

To the point though: it could definitely be distracting playing with a gay teammate, it could make players uncomfortable, leading to bad team chemistry. The key word is Could.
Posted: 3:38 PM   by Anonymous
JACK YOU ARE THE MORON, TIM IS RIGHT AND THATS THE WAY IT IS.
THERE IS NO PLACE FOR THAT IN
THE WORLD.
Posted: 3:38 PM   by Anonymous
I would not have said it quite the way Mr. Hardaway did, however he is right in the fact that homosexuality is wrong and has no place in a civil society.
Posted: 3:38 PM   by Anonymous
I agree with you Jack, Tim Hardaway is a moron. He is also ignorant and small.
Posted: 3:39 PM   by Anonymous
Tim Hardaway is not a moron, the writer of this article is incorrect to even write such a thing. Maybe a certain writer should re-examine his morals. Homosexuality is wrong. Period. There is nothing glorifying about singing "I'm Gay" and thinking it's ok.
Posted: 3:39 PM   by Cory
The thing you fail to realize is that most of these players you called out, probably do not have any feeling either way for this subject, and to "require" them to support what most people in this country see as a morality issue, is preposterous.
Posted: 3:39 PM   by Bisquick McGillicutty
agreed. i find it surprising that we as a society do not strive to be enlightened. its ok if john amechi's announcement scares you or disgusts you... each person's initial/natural reaction is what it is. but the fact that those that disagree do not try to understand and accept is what is disappointing.
Posted: 3:39 PM   by Anonymous
Jack McCallum: MORON!!!
I look up to Tim for what he did. How dare you call him a moron for standing up for what is right. I'm glad someone famous, that can talk to many people, stood up for us straight people. I hate gays too and I agree with Tim, that we shouldn't allow it in the World or in the United States. I hate gays and don't like them either, or like to be around them. Way to go Tim.
Posted: 3:39 PM   by Anonymous
I don't get it...Hardaway is a moron for having an opinion that differs from yours?


That's mature.
Posted: 3:39 PM   by Anonymous
What a damn monkey he is... You really have to chalk it up to education... or lack thereof in his case
Posted: 3:39 PM   by Jalal Koochekzadeh
Tim Hardaway's comments were spot on. Straight males need to stop apologizing to gay people and need to stand up. WE are the maority, and thus we decide whats right and wrong. Im tired of the homosexualization of this country. Homosexuality is not right, and should not be respected or tolerated.
Posted: 3:40 PM   by Anonymous
Tim Hardaway. What a clown.

I wonder how Tim would feel if someone said "I hate black people."

If you don't agree with homosexualty, that's fine, many don't. I personally don't understand it but it's none of my business.

How having a gay person on your team can be a cause for concern is beyond me. How can someone's sexual preference deter your game? Maybe Tim likes something in the sack that other's on his team don't. Should that be of concern? Will Tim liking one particular bedroom move over a teammates preference really make a difference during a game?

Tim Hardaway has every right to his opinion. He's an idiot for having the opinion he does though. I think Tim and other homophobes are basically flattering themselves, thinking that every gay man wants them. Tim, look in the mirror dude. You are no prize. Get over yourself and get out of the dark ages. I hope black leaders come out and decry your comments.
Posted: 3:40 PM   by Anonymous
Name-calling...the apex of editorials.

James, Chicago
Posted: 3:41 PM   by Anonymous
No, my friend. You're a moron. Tim Hardaway is right in everything that he said. He's retired and he can say whatever he wants. Kobe, Shaq, and the rest of you the guys you mentioned don't have to come out and say a thing... b/c chances are they don't like queers either. You showed how much of a moron you are in your article, homo.
Posted: 3:41 PM   by Anonymous
How is it better to speak your mind by calling someone a moron than to speak you mind saying you don’t like gays. Everyone has their own opinion, and anyone who criticizes someone by calling them a moron is worthy of the same criticism.
Posted: 3:41 PM   by B-UNIT
Hardaway is not a moron. He is entitled to his own honest opinion. Although I think the way he presented his thoughts that wrong way and his word usage may have been a little harsh. Overall he doesnt beleive in homosexuality, this is pointless to scutinize these comments. I bet you that many more people feel that way in all of professional sports, but why say anything when they will be crucified.
Posted: 3:41 PM   by Anonymous
Sorry, but this is a non-issue. Tim's statement while it have been dumb to some people is at least honest.
Unless more people are going on record against racism, poverty, classism, inner-city youth dropping out of high-school in record numbers, rising HIV rates in african-american women, and the other social ills that affect not only the USA, but the rest of the world, along with racial genocide, the various wars, etc...then no one should be all that "outraged" over some random retired athlete's statement.
I am more amused by all the rhetoric and grandstanding by all the people that say that Tim is wrong in public and still tell racist and homophobic jokes in private...
Posted: 3:41 PM   by Anonymous
I get so tired of you politically correct morons who have a hissy fit anytime someone says anthing negative about gay people. Read the Bible. Homosexuality is a sin ... big time.
Posted: 3:41 PM   by Anonymous
Though it might have come across harshly with poorly chose wording, Tim Hardaway had every right to say what he wanted. For us to point the finger at him shows the sad state that our world is in, where heterosexual men are big, bad bullies when they talk about their dislike for gays. He doesn't have to like gays and he doesn't have to lie about it to "save face". I respect that.
Posted: 3:42 PM   by Anonymous
Moron? For speaking honestly in a PC world? Indeed. For disapproving of immoral behavior? Not a chance. I am so sick of freedom of speech not applying to certain lifestyle choices and beliefs, but being supported strongly when attacking other groups. If people are free to condemn opposing politicians, Christians, or Americans in no-holds-barred terms, then Tim Hardaway and I myself must be free to say to gays "your behavior makes me sick." He did that. That's his right. But as expected, instead of addressing the gay debate, you push forward as if the matter is settled and Tim Hardaway is evil. How progressive.
Posted: 3:42 PM   by Anonymous
He can say whatever the hell he wants.

This is America.

Something tells me, if he had replaced "gays" with something like "Christians", your panties wouldn't be in quite the twist.

You preening elitist journos need to get over yourself.
Posted: 3:42 PM   by Shane
Gay is about as relevant as someone being black. It is a non-issue and the more we call attention to it, the more it will divide us. We should all care less if a sports person "comes out of the closet" or if a black coach wins the Superbowl. Recognize/judge them on their achievements not on their sexual preference, color of their skin, ethnicity, etc.
Posted: 3:42 PM   by Anonymous
Who are you to judge? He has as much a right to dislike and hate as anyone else. Just b/c you hate someone or something doesn't mean you are a moron. He can do what wants. Your a moron for worrying about what Tim Hardaway thinks about gay people. You need a life. He played basketball I could care less about his views on gay people.
Posted: 3:42 PM   by Tim Cupery
From a sociological angle, Hardaway's comments aren't moronic. They're value-driven statements based on what he thinks is normal and what he thinks isn't. His statements are moral in character, although his position is probably driven more by an "ugh" feeling than by any form of careful reasoning.

If Hardaway tried to ground his comments in a certain religious tradition, then we might say that they are moronic with respect to that tradition. (As Chris Broussard pointed out, the traditional Christian position on sex is that any sex outside of male-female marriage is sinful, and most NBA players don't seem to much mind heterosexual infidelity. Note that Broussard doesn't equate thinking a behavior is sinful with not being able to comfortable be around the person engaging in said behavior.)
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=2764353&name=broussard_chris

Practically-speaking, I agree that Hardaway's comments are moronic, given that he has to realize the sort of response he'll get for them. But he is speaking for a sizable portion of the population. (Myself not included - I just have to, as a sociologist, disagree with a misclassification of Hardaway's comments by McCallum.)
Posted: 3:42 PM   by Anonymous
Jack McCallum - Moron - Mr. Hardaway has his opinion which I agree with as for as being around gay people. The Bible said one man and one woman. Period. Everyone has an opinion and if it is different from yours; are they all morons? Get back in the closet.
Posted: 3:42 PM   by Anonymous
You started your column so auspiciously, but you missed the opportunity to point out the irony of Tim's having been the king of the "crossover" dribble. He apparently no longer can go left.
Posted: 3:43 PM   by Anonymous
Tim Hardaway has the right to speak his mind. I believe it is wrong to hate anyone but I admire how he does not accept homosexuality. Just because the liberal media thinks it is ok does not mean that it is.
Posted: 3:43 PM   by DB
I am SO tired of the media--and this now includes ESPN.com--sensationalizing homosexuality. Get over it! Hardaway is a bigot. We all know that. But do we push headlines about every white supremacist who utters a racial slur? No; to emphasize such idiotic views only inflates their importance. And it unnecessarily stirs the pot on a very private issue. Since when did America become 'the land of the free [insofar as you don't offend anyone]'? Finally, no one would ever confuse a personal opinion of an NBA player as necessarily representative of the NBA as a whole. Enough already!
Posted: 3:43 PM   by Anonymous
What's as disturbing as his comments is the undeniable fact that there are a lot of players like him in today's NBA. Not every one - but by all accounts too many.
Posted: 3:43 PM   by Anonymous
What happen to freedom of speach?!

It's really amazing the day and time we live in. Everyone can think something but dare not say it. The PC police will be knocking on your door.

This is America and he has the right to not like anyone he chooses. This is usually typical to religious people who stand by their convictions.
THEY GET LABLED~!
Posted: 3:43 PM   by Anonymous
Ok fine. I have no problem with a gay teammate as long as they have a separate shower/locker room area, similar to what is done in high school for a female teammate. Imagine a girl in the same locker room with guys....certainly some of the men would have inappropriate thoughts of the female. A gay male in a locker room must have some feeling or attraction to a couple of his teammates....
Posted: 3:44 PM   by Anonymous
homosexuality is a crime against nature and is morally wrong. Hardaway is not a moron or ignorant. Most homosexuals are the way they are due to physical, emotional, or mental abuse. They are not born that way. The sooner we quit accepting disgusting behavior, the sooner our world will be a better place. One is born French, Spanish, Canadian, etc.-one is not born gay or homosexual.
Posted: 3:44 PM   by Shane Franklin TN
I really think it just as MORONIC to one hand say that Hardaway has every right to say what he wants, but then you criticize what HE says. Naturally, I don't agree with the word HATE.. I don't hate gay people (I do hate their choice of life style)as do I hate the choice of lifestyle of a drug dealer, a person who eats too much, a person who have sex outside of marriage (whether homosexual or straight) My point is this...TOLERANCE is and has been the FALL of AMERICAN MORALITY! I don't want to hear this garbage about "tolerance" making America great! It DOES NOT! It makes AMERICA the laughing STOCK of the WORLD.
Posted: 3:44 PM   by Anonymous
Tim Hardaway isnt a moron. That is his honest opinion and he is entitled to it. He did not actually say he hates them, he said he dislikes them. He was asked a question and he answered it truthfully. I myself am uncomfortable around gay people. I dont hate or dispise them, but i dont beleive a man should be with another man. But what Tim said about trading the player is not right. If the gay player has game, he should stay and play. If Tim doesnt like it, then he(Tim) should be traded.
Posted: 3:44 PM   by Anonymous
The only moron here is Jack McCallum.

Homosexuality cannot perpetuate the human race. The idea that political correctness is to believe the insertion of a mans penis into another mans anus as acceptable is beyond words. We can all be thankful that what ever is defective with people that are "gay" will be cleased from the gene pool as these people are not able to re-produce.
Posted: 3:44 PM   by Anonymous
No surprise. Yet another in the long line of so-called professional athletes showing their true worth in society...None! Take away Haraway's money and I guarantee you that he will find trouble before he would ever find success. The NBA should distance themselves from Hardaway super quick! Tim Hardaway: Moron? And them some!!! We should all be so lucky that those like he and Sprewell simply disappear off the radar.
Posted: 3:44 PM   by Anonymous
I find it absolutely crazy that any African American could display and feel such intolerance. After all, it was only 30-40 years ago when the same types of things were said when a certain woman refused to give up her seat on the bus and certain NBA players had to eat in separate diners because eating with white people "shouldn't be allowed in the United States". It's just another sign of how intolerant and ignorant the world really is today. Whether it's "gays shouldn't be allowed", "Muslims are all terrorists", "Israel and Jews must be destroyed", "southern people are all rednecks"...whatever the narrow-minded intolerance of the day may be, it's just sad it all still exists.
Posted: 3:45 PM   by Anonymous
Bigot. That's the correct word. Say it again to yourself. "Tim Hardaway is a bigot."
Posted: 3:45 PM   by Anonymous
The intolerance shown by Hardaway is utterly unbelievable. It's that same sense of hatred for those who are different that has caused so much civil unrest between black and whites over the years. Give the man a hood, he's earned it.
Posted: 3:45 PM   by Anonymous
I agree he is a moron. I also think Hardaway likely has unresolved issues with his own sexuality. Otherwise, who really cares what other people do? Me thinks he protests to hard..
Posted: 3:45 PM   by Anonymous
Mr Hardaway speaks bravely in this PC world. There are a lot of us morons
Posted: 3:45 PM   by Anonymous
I wouldn't have a problem playing with a gay person. The problem would come in the locker room and the shower. I wouldn't want to take a shower with a gay person. If that is wrong I dont want to be right.
Posted: 3:46 PM   by Anonymous
i personlay think you are the idiot for trying to call him an idiot. Beauty of this country is we can say and do what we please, even if it does bop us on the head. I aggree with Tim, i dont like homos either, and when I played, i would not have felt comforatble having a fruit cake on my footbal team.....
Posted: 3:46 PM   by Anonymous
he has a right to say whats on his mind, maybe your the moron for throwing words back at him.
Posted: 3:46 PM   by Barry
Sorry, I don't keep up with the NBA that much, but who in the world is John Amaechi? I never heard of him as a player. Why in the world is his story news today? Also, who cares what Tim Hardaway has to say about the matter. It's his opinion and he is entitled to it, even if most (or many) people do not agree with it.

I, for one, do not care about this issue. We need to be focusing on much more important matters such as who is the father of Anna Nicole Smith's baby :)
Posted: 3:46 PM   by Anonymous
It seems, Mr. McCallum, that what you want is to have everyone agree with your opinion of someone else's opinion. That really makes a lot of sense.
Posted: 3:51 PM   by Adam - Madison, WI
Nicely put Jack. As a straight man with gay friends, I don't see why other straight players aren't standing up to defend gays in the NBA. I have no problem admitting I have gay friends, and for the most part, people are interested and sometimes amazed to hear that they're actually "normal" people. Hard to believe that this is such an issue with some. However, as my gay friends have told me, many times, the individuals most opposed to gay people are gay themself, or at least bisexual. In several years when being gay is more fully accepted, maybe little Timmy will have something else shocking to say:)
Posted: 3:53 PM   by Chris
Well said, Jack.
Posted: 4:11 PM   by Anonymous
There is absolutely no difference between this rant and the one offered by John Rocker (albeit, this was more targeted). Tim Hardaway follows in a long legacy of men like Al Campannis, Jimmy the Greek, and the men at the '36 Olympic Games preaching Aryan superiority. The only difference is that the fallout won't make him the same sort of pariah because so many people agree with his comments.
Posted: 4:11 PM   by Anonymous
Nobody should be labeled a moron for speaking his mind. Only morons would suppress the views and stance that others take. Get a life Jack, there are many more things to get upset about than Hardaway's comments.
Posted: 4:12 PM   by Jay Heath
John Amechi made a choice to be homosexual and Tim Hardaway has a right to not like him because of it. He has a right to say he doesn't want to play basketball with someone of that lifestyle.
You use the word "hate" but I didn't see that in his comments. I saw dislike, which is very different from hate. Don't twist words to make your point, it makes you the moron.

People have a right to choose whatever lifestyle they want in this country, but we don't have to make them heroes for their choices. This Amechi is being made some sort of hero by the media right now and anyone who dares to say anything negative about him is seen as some sort of caveman.

We don't have to sit back and accept all behavior in this country just because liberal media members say it's so.
Posted: 4:12 PM   by Anonymous
What Tim said is crazy and ignorant. The NBA should distance themselves from this bigot ASAP. Although I am heterosexual, what TH said is no different than saying the same thing about peoples race, religion etc. This type of hatred should not be tolerated.
Posted: 4:15 PM   by Anonymous
What a great article. It was succinct, well-worded, and entirely accurate. In short, I couldn't have said it better myself.
Posted: 4:19 PM   by Anonymous
when I first read Hardaways comments, I was hoping someone would come out and clearly label him as a narrow minded reflection of the worst people have to offer. 'Moron' is a suitable substitute - well said. What exactly is Hardaway afraid of in the locker room? Does he think being gay is contagious?

I completely agree that it would be a meaningful gesture if one of the league's more respected stars came out and offered a more enlightened perspective on this subject, and perhaps teach people that reactions like Hardaway's represent the vast minority. Hopefully that is the case.
Posted: 4:19 PM   by Anonymous
I disagree with you.

The definition of "moron" is "a mildly mentally retarded person. Do you really think that's true with Tim?

I don't believe that views on gays has anything to do with intelligence.

Not that I agree with what Tim said. I don't. But it's education and attitudes that need adjusting. You can't make a retarded person smarter. But you can educate anyone.
Posted: 4:20 PM   by Anonymous
Jack-you should stick to writing sports, not the opinion page. While I don't agree with Tim's approach to this, I wouldn't call him a moron. One season I played, we had three guys on our team who came out a couple years later. Was it an issue? No. However, until someone is faced with such a thing, they don't know how to respond. It is only through the experience that I found it to not be an issue. Otherwise, I'd've said something along the lines of "I don't want somebody staring at me while I change." Tim's not a moron, Jack, he's just a manifestation of American Society as a whole. The majority of America isn't entirely comfortable with homosexuality. They can say they are all they would like, but the fact of the matter is, it's not entirely true. Kudos to Tim for saying the truth, ignorant though it may be. Moron? No. Bigot? Certainly

-Matt Dinan,
University of Rochester
Posted: 4:20 PM   by Kane
Thank you. This is going to get ugly, and I applaud you for jumping out and putting this out there.
Posted: 5:02 PM   by Anonymous
- standing ovation - I agree.

If more people spoke out like this, maybe my nephew wouldn't have been tortured for his sexuality in high school.
Posted: 5:02 PM   by Anonymous
man, the title of the article said it. moron. i used to like timmy and his 'skillz'. no more
Posted: 5:22 PM   by Kyle from SK
I think Hardaway's comments were moronic, insensitive and just wrong. He does have the right to express his feelings, but he should realize that these comments are harmful not only to the gay community, but also the NBA and all major sports.
Just because a man is gay does not mean he wants to sleep with every one of his teammates. It just means he's attracted to men. He may not be attracted to you or any of his other teammates. Even if he is, what's wrong with that? He's allowed to have feelings just as much as the next person.
Tim needs to grow up and get with the times.
Athletes are afraid to state their sexuality for reasons just like this.
Posted: 5:23 PM   by Anonymous
He is an idiot and unfortunately too many people feel the same way. I beleive it has a lot to do with education and religion.
Posted: 5:24 PM   by Anonymous
Sorry, but from where I sit, it looks like Tim Hardaway *is* being a leader. He opposes homosexuality. Get over it. Those who criticize him for taking a stand are morons.
Posted: 5:24 PM   by Anonymous
It's interesting that people who love homosexuality are okay, but people who hate it are a "moron." I guess tolerance is a one-way street.

On another note, I think Amaechi's statement on Mike&Mike that "I don't want tolerance; I want acceptance" is a little out in left-field. Perhaps he doesn't realize that a good proportion of our nation is composed of Christians who believe that homosexuality is morally reprehensible, just like beastiality or NAMBLA. Do you think Amaechi realizes that calling others stupid and bigoted simply because they do not approve of his sexual orientation is *gasp* being intolerant of their religious beliefs?

Altogether interesting discussion. Whether one has a right to tolerance from others is an interesting discussion (should straight be treated different from homosexual, or homosexual different from beastiality?), but Amaechi should realize he'll never get "acceptance" for his sexual orientation from everyone.
Posted: 5:25 PM   by Anonymous
Hardaway fails to realize, I think, that for many decades white athletes made the same ethnocentric comments about black athletes. The categories change, but the need to oppress others still exists. Why? I think James Baldwin said it best:

"If I'm not who you say I am, then you're not who you think you are."

When did equality and justice become words that people like Hardaway can just dismiss? Hold your fear, hold your anxiety, but have the decency to also educate yourself out of the ignorance that creates fear and anxiety.
Posted: 5:25 PM   by Anonymous
What an embarrassment. Please remind Tim not long ago black players would not have been allowed on the same bus as white players. We need to all come along. This is primo ignorant crap dressed up in a suit.
Posted: 5:25 PM   by Anonymous
Jack McCallum, you seem like a pretty smart guy, but are you truly surprised by Hardaway's response? Hardaway's comments may be ignorant, but I think they truly reflect the sentiment of a lot of people here in the United States.
Posted: 6:39 PM   by C. Miller
I can agree with his concern for sharing a lockeroom with a homosexual teamate. His comments seemed to stem from that central issue. Working in an office-type job with a gay coworker doesn't involve taking a shower with them! Tim's not a moron. He just doesn't want to get naked with with a gay guy.
Posted: 6:40 PM   by Anonymous
Me thinks thou doth protest to much Tim. It is usually the biggest homophobs who turn out to be gay.Not that there is anything wrong with that
Posted: 6:40 PM   by Anonymous
So your not questioning the right for Hardaway to say what he feels...as long as what he feels is what you feel. Thats a quaint sort of freedom that I'm sure Stalin would appreciate.
Posted: 6:40 PM   by Anonymous
i agree with Hardaway 100%. he can have his opinion and if that is that he doesn't like gay people then so be it. Apparently in this world we have to think, act and be PC. We might as all be robots.
Posted: 6:40 PM   by Anonymous
So are we at the state in America now where we must agree with homosexuality or be considered a moron? God forbid.
Posted: 6:41 PM   by Damion
what do other players in the nba have to say anything on this subject? All they have to do is play basketball....I think a lot of people in america share tim hardaway's beliefs and i think he is a representative of that segment of america, not a spokesperson for anti-gay sentiment in professional sports. he answered a question honestly, and he is only a 'moron' if he didn't realize that it would cause this kind of uproar....Not condoning what he said, but I'm glad that somebody actually said something that they truly felt. This is as honest an opinion as you're going to get and probably represents more atheletes and/or people in general than many would like to believe.
Posted: 6:41 PM   by Anonymous
Hardaway is right! Homosexuality shouldn't be in the world! Ever read the Bible? They should not be allowed in the locker room. Just as we have seperate locker rooms for men and women. There should be seperate locker rooms for gays. They are like a kid in a candy store when allowed in the locker rooms with regular guys! It is very uncomfortable and disruptive for the team. I feel like you critisize him for the sake of being politically correct and are just adding one more venue of acceptability for homosexuality. You are wrong for calling him a moron and it upsets me that you do. I am very proud of Hardaway for standing firm and speaking the truth and allowing people to know how he feels. This nation is to worried about how people are going to react about what they say and how they feel therefore what is wrong with this world just keeps getting worse.
Posted: 6:42 PM   by Joshua
Its deeply disturbing that we live in a world where people still 'hate' other people on the basis of a characteristic that someone is born with.
Imagine if a white player said that he "hated blacks". Such a racist statement would cause (rightfully) a massive reaction within the (mostly black) players association. Yet, what homophobics, anti-semites, racists, xenophobes, sexists, etc do not realize is that prejudice is prejudice.

"If we think education is expensive, try ignorance"
Posted: 6:42 PM   by Anonymous
You hit the nail on the head...Tim Hardaway IS a moron!
Posted: 6:42 PM   by Anonymous
Amen! Bigotry in any form should not be allowed to be a part of professional sports. It sets a bad precendent for impressionable children to think that it is OK to hate people that are different. Homophobia is no different than racism. I can only hope that his team cans him!
Posted: 6:42 PM   by Anonymous
Yes his comments not appropriate, but the NBA playing "Nanny"? No WAY!
Posted: 6:42 PM   by Anonymous
There are two sides to every argument. In this case, I do not think the sides are necessarily opposed. Hardaway has the right to say whatever he wants. This is the United States of America, and our young people are - at least in theory - dying in the Middle East to prove to the world the value of such enlightened thought.

That does not keep Hardaway from being a complete imbecile and moron. And, luckily, I maintain the right to call him that. He raises homophobia to a new height - the height of the smoke in Reefer Madness. Is this idiot really under the impression that any member of his team is going to start partaking in random acts of sodomy, while in the locker room? It is apparently that a much bigger risk is having your locker near another well known idiot, Stephen Jackson, who might inadvertently drop his gun.

My only prayer, now, is that Tim does not go into 'rehab' for some 'sensitivity training'. It would be an even bigger insult to John Amechi - already a brave man - for Hardaway to pull that type of mealy mouthed nonsense. Wear the tag of homophobe proudly Tim. You have worked hard at it.
Posted: 6:42 PM   by Anonymous
I don't think calling Tim Hardaway a moron is appropriate. He is after all entitled to his opinion. Homosexuality is unacceptable to most people, and I agree also that those who choose this lifestyle should be prepared for such negativity, especially in sports.
Posted: 6:43 PM   by Anonymous
Being Gay is a Choice and it is wrong and immoral. You sir are just as intolerant as aint-gay people you calim are idoits. who are you to tell people such as kobe or shaq to do. the right thing is to come out and say "I respect everyone but being gay is wrong" What if it was a child molester on there team?? should they stand up for them even tho its wrong?
Posted: 6:43 PM   by Anonymous
So you don't like people who don't like gay people. That makes you a bigot as well.
Posted: 6:43 PM   by Anonymous
Hardaway is not the moron here. he is merely stating what I'm pretty sure a good majority of America thinks. They don't hate them necessarily, but what they do. Amaechi said on Mike and Mike this morning that "he doesn't want to tolerated, to be treated like blacks were". what Amaechi doesn't say is that unlike black people, who are born black, homosexuals choose to be gay, they are not born that way(as much as the liberal media would have you believe). As a Christian, I do not support gays, and I hate what they do. I do have a Christian love for them though, and pray that they will turn from sin and will realize that what they are doing is wrong.
Posted: 6:44 PM   by buccf09@yahoo.com
So you are calling Hardaway a moron because he doesnt have the same views as you. I personally dont like gays either. I think it is just an excuse to be different. And now you writers and broadcasters have become so accustomed to it and so afraid to write what you really think because you are afraid of being criticized. Why should anyone of those guys that you named come out and say anything. What if they feel the same way he does are they suppost to lie so that this politicaly correct world will be happy. Thats the problem with this world now days people do to many things and say so many things that they dont really believe to make everybody happy. And all you are doing is adding to the fire.
Posted: 6:44 PM   by Anonymous
Also author, I should have commented on your last paragraph concerning the clear thinkers: Kobe Bryant- a man who got himself in trouble with breaking a law in a state that has the harshest penalties for that law.
Shaq- A man who has fought Charles Barkley and swung at another when he wasn't looking.
Dirk N.- who put his foot in his mouth by talking a little trash to Shaq's teammate Dwayne.
The list goes on and on concerning your alleged clear thinking leaders. You are the man author
Posted: 6:46 PM   by Tony in Ohio
While in no way condoning the comments of Hardaway - this particular writer has essentially fallen into the same trap as Hardaway by calling him a moron.
Posted: 6:46 PM   by Anonymous
Your no better Jack, Yes he went overboard in saying he hates gays. Where is your criticism for Amaechi for waiting till he has a book coming out for coming out of the closet? Hardaway is no more a moron than Amaechi is a coward and a snake for using this to sell a book. Calling out Shaq, Kobe, etc... are you serious? They should just welcome a gay player in their locker rooms? Then why just not allow men in the womens or women in the mens at all times? The true Moron is you for being so judgemental and flying off the hook cause you didn't agree with someones remarks. Grow up.
Posted: 6:46 PM   by Anonymous
I think it's commendable that he spoke his mind in the way that he did. Homosexuality is a societal aberration, and it should not be tolerated. Name-calling and intolerance of intolerance does not constitute a tenable position, and it should never constitute an article. While yelling down the opposing view-point may have worked in middle school, you should not use it as a substitute when writer's block comes to call.
Posted: 6:46 PM   by Dave
Maybe Tim is a "moron", but it used to be, in this country, everyone was entitled to his/her opinion. Even if PC sports writers who never played big time sports don't think so.
Posted: 6:47 PM   by franklinj
What about free speech?!? If more people could say what they felt, even if the political correct elitist disagree with it. It surprises me how ignorant we can be when we don't agree with some thing and how quickly we treat others the way people who were minorities used to be treated.Stop being stupid and allow people to say how they feel about issues and more people will join the discussion.
Posted: 6:47 PM   by simon b
i don't agree with anything hardaway said or believes, but don't you think demanding that players like shaq, kobe, dirk, steve nash and ray allen agree with you is contradicting your stance on free speech?
Posted: 6:47 PM   by Anonymous
What he said was a bit harsh. Your sexual preference has no effect on your skills as a professional athelete. I don't have any issue with gays, but I think I would be a little uncomfortable taking a shower with a teammate that was gay. That's like a straight guy who gets to shower with the ladies. But that is prorably the only issue I would have. The lifestyle another person chooses has nothing to do with me.

However, he does have the right to speak his oppinion... no matter how ignorant it is!!
Posted: 6:48 PM   by Anonymous
I agree with Hardaway, but there is no reason for hate.
Posted: 6:48 PM   by Anonymous
While I disagree with what Hardaway believes, I think it is ignorant to comment on someone's intelligence based on their beliefs. I am not a Christian but I don't think his beliefes, unfortunately worded as they me, stray to far from many fundamentalist beliefs from people of all level of intelligence. While I believe the correlation between homophobia and racism to be silly at best, insulting at worst, don't you think early abolitionists were called morons for saying that blacks were equal to whites? People have been mocked for believing the world is round and children shouldn't be beaten. While I disagree with Hardaway's beliefs, they are aimed against a lifestyle, an action. McCallum's venom is aimed against solely the words of a man, simply because he disagrees.
Posted: 6:48 PM   by Jcor
I don't think Tim is a moron in its true definition. I don't think you do either. I understand his thinking. The world of sports epitomizes machoism. How strong, fast and tough you are and being gay suggest everything that is the opposite. These are mostly young, immature rich men who constantly have to prove all those qualities everyday. So have a gay teammate would destroy the culture. Do I agree with him? I'm not sure. I'm almost 40yrs old, so I'm mature enough to conduct myself in a professional manner under those circumstances. But if you were to ask me at 24-25 years old I would have said no gays on my team. To be considered gay is an insult to most young men. Tim was expressing what most young (not just African-American)men think. I didn't say all, but most.
Posted: 6:49 PM   by Anonymous
By referring to someone as a 'Moron', you yourself are insulting people with mental disabilities. Try show more professionalism.

The term 'foolish' or 'ignorant' may be more applicable. Daft article.
Posted: 6:49 PM   by Anonymous
I agree completely with your comments Mr. McCallum. Tracy McGrady already announced his unconditional acceptance of homosexuals on or off the court. It is time for the captains of every team to step up and mirror his sentiments.

- Rockets fan stuck in Cleveland
Posted: 6:49 PM   by Anonymous
Why is it that you say certain players, or any for that matter, have to agree or back homosexuality? Why does THEIR opinion have to coincide with what everbody else believes.
Posted: 6:49 PM   by Anonymous
Do people really expect some sort of wisdom to come out of this guy's mouth? He probably slept through most of high school and got by on his athletic talent. He probably has very little or no college education to speak of. A person like Hardaway saying such idiotic statements should not be much of a suprise. I suppose when he was playing, if white basketball players said they didnt want to play with him because he was black, he would have screamed and hollered racism. And he would have been right. But now in this case, it is amazing that people in this day and age cant do what they want in their own bedroom and be accepted for who they are. Instead, a gay basketball player who simply wanted acceptance, is condemned by another former player.
Posted: 6:51 PM   by Anonymous
The only "moron" is the writer. Mr. Hardaway is entitled to his opinion and the right to express that opinion. Stand against homophobia? If you think being gay is wrong, then it's wrong!! They won't change their beliefs. Get use to it, and get use to dealing with people who think this way.

To quote something I heard on the radio this morning: To achieve tolerance, one must tolerate intolerance.
Posted: 6:51 PM   by Anonymous
I can't agree more with your comments about Hardaway. If it was a player other than Amaechi I really don't think that I'd care, but as an English basketball fan it's natural to follow someone from your countries career abroad (and spring to their defence as well I guess). That said, what's the big deal anyway. Each to their own.
Posted: 6:51 PM   by Anonymous
Wrong is wrong. Mr. Hardaway's opinion is not any worse than the lewd behavior of Mr. Amaechi's. I can only imagine the sick thought's of Mr. Amaechi as his fellow teammates strolled through the locker room at times when they were partially clad. I just wonder how any professional women's sports team would like it if I were a teammate and shared the locker room with them, knowing that I was sexually interested in them. We wouldn't allow it or condone it so why would any one approve of this. Stay in the closet, we don't care about your deviant behavior Mr. Amaechi. Mr. McCallum you ought to be ashamed.
Posted: 6:51 PM   by John
Nice article Jack. The 1st Amendment protects citizen's from being punished by the government for speaking out. There is no prohibition for calling someone like Tim Hardaway a moron. All this talk of a person having the "right to speak his mind" dodges the issue.
If someone had spoken out and said he hates black people I don't think there would be a line of NBA players talking about someone having the right to that opinion. I wish some marquee player besides Grant Hill would come out with something enlightened to say.
Posted: 6:51 PM   by Anonymous
Professional athletes are not smart.
Posted: 6:52 PM   by Anonymous
Hardaway sounds ironically like many of the racist white baseball players did before Jackie Robinson publicly endured the hatred long enough to make it possible for others to follow him.

Just as African Americans have endured a decades-long slow reach for equal treatment, homosexuals will be following in their footsteps. They represent the next wave of Civil Rights changes in America and that wave has only just begun. Now, just as then, the situation will likely get worse before it gets better. Homophobes and religious zealots will rally and try to maintain the status quo, but time and tide will grind them down until they are a small minority. Marginalizing the purveyors of hatred, such as Hardaway, is a small first step.
Posted: 6:52 PM   by Anonymous
I dont think that he is a "moron" for expressing his feelings I just think he said what a lot of people felt. This world that we live in and the country we live in, good ole USA, has become too timid when it comes to socal issues. If you discuss the feelings of others and put it out on the table everyone has a better idea of where folks stand. Please do not confuse homosexualality and Gay rights with Civil rights because they are not the same. You have no choice what color you are born but you have a choice to be gay or lesbian and if you do so then you have to be able to put up with the bad that will be associated with making your choice of being gay.
Posted: 6:53 PM   by Anonymous
While Mr. Hardaway's comments are senseless, they certainly do not make him a moron. Neither do they speak poorly of the NBA, only of himself. He hit a politically correct nerve by speaking harshly against homosexuality but that does not neccessitate other stars to offer a rebuttal on behalf of the NBA. Give me a break!
Posted: 6:53 PM   by Anonymous
That is the most self-serving and uneducated article in existence. It is a shame that there is no longer a standard for objective journalism. I wish nothing but the worst for you.
Posted: 6:53 PM   by Anonymous
As a business owner (Hardaway's House of Wings in Miami and Hardaway's Finest Car Wash) and a spokesman (for Baldguyz, a NJ-based men's grooming company - www.baldguyz.com), Tim Hardaway should have thought before he opened his big trap. This can't be good for business.
Posted: 6:53 PM   by Anonymous
Bravo.
Posted: 6:53 PM   by Anonymous
I didn't see "hatred" is Hardaway's response. It may not have been worded in a politically correct manner, but I do agree that he is entitled to his opinion.

What is the reason that you don't have coed locker rooms? Is it not because of the sexual connotation? Wouldn't gays fall under that same notion?

Chuck from Michigan
Posted: 6:53 PM   by xyzabc06
Hardaway is not a moron. He is a homophobic 'racist'. Think of it if he substituted Jewish or Black or Asian instead of 'gay'. I guess no amount of money or culture can take the hatred and discrimination out of some people.

Shame on them. Let's get him and Rick Santorum together.
Posted: 8:12 PM   by Anonymous
Fantastic article.
As a gay man and athlete as well, this "choice" that many of you call it, is far from that. Do you really think I would choose to live a lifestyle where people outright hate me and my rights as a citizen are less than what most of you enjoy?
Its really disturbing to see how many people are defending his outright statement of hatred.
Posted: 8:44 PM   by Anonymous
You suprised me Jack. Tim was a bit over the top, but to call him a moron means that you are one to. There are many people who feels the way hardaway do, and it takes a lot for someone to reveal how they really feel. I am not defending Tim, but I am tired about the media putting so much empahasis on gay people. This is a manly sport so it should be no suprise that he made a manly statement.
Posted: 1:44 AM   by Anonymous
I was very troubled when I read his comments. As a public figure and a hero to our youth, Hardaway needs to realize the lasting implications that his statements have on his most vounerable audience, our youth. What is he telling the young boys and girls who look up to him about tolerance, acceptance. What is he telling a young fan who just might turn out to be gay later on in life. How do his comments reflect on what he learns in his faith. There is only one judge and jury on morality and Mr. Hardaway is not him neither are any of you hiding behind the bible and religion. Shame on him as a black professional player who didnt think about the discrimination many before him faced to give him the priviledge to be a hero and public figure, And on his opportunity to repay them with a well thought out message he decides to show his ignorance, lack of education, arrogance and narrow mindness. What exactly is so distracting in a lockeroom, is he that paranoid in a public restroom as well? do all straight people go after everyone of the opposite sex? and there is no room on any corner of this earth for gay people. I didnt know he was the landlord of this planet.
Shame on Hardaway, a great missed opportunity to say something intelligent lost in words that have extremist meanings like HATE.
To hate something you have to fully understand it, when has he ever really tried to fully understand and know gay people and their struggle. But no he gets to proclaim freedom of speech and not really look at the affect he had on those listening. MR. HARDAWAY this gay fan of yours has lost all respect for you, your talent and your game.
Posted: 3:30 AM   by Tim Louman-Gardiner
Thank you for having the courage to say this, Mr. McCallum.

You're also only one of the few people to recognize and/or point out that it's almost worse that he tepidly apologized for "saying" the hateful words, not for the hate behind those words themselves.
Posted: 9:16 AM   by Anonymous
His comments were 1000% correct. Being gay is a sin, and they should seek medical attention. I'm finally glad that we have someone of celebrity status speak out for what really should be. Anybody out there ever read the bible? It states that being gay is wrong.
Posted: 9:17 AM   by Anonymous
Jack, I thought you were a Sports columnist and not a Political columnist? Maybe the players that you have listed to step up agree 100% with Hardaway. As previously stated, your choices of public "moral" players to support homosexuality is not good, but maybe that is what you want, immoral supporting immoral. Also, to certain previous bloggers, to say that being gay is an inherit trait at birth is a "moronic" comment. It is just a lame easy excuse that scientists argue because they can't prove that the decision is anything other than free will. It's almost as proposterous to say that you married the person that you did because that is what your genes are programmed for. So what about the previous relationships before marriage and why is there divorce? I'd like for the scientists to explain that one.
Posted: 9:19 AM   by Anonymous
I heard on the radio the other day that there is a website called outsports.com that talks about what athletes they think are gay. Tim Hardaway was No. 7 on the list in 2003 due to being spotted at a few alternative clubs while in the league. Maybe he was just covering up?
Posted: 9:24 AM   by Anonymous
If anyone does not agree with that lifesyle thats fine. But what Hardaway said was plain stupid and cruel. He himself is a minority who people have given there life for his human rights. So why would he spread the same hate toward people today who are fighting for their human rights? We dont all have to agree with what people do in life but life is to short to hate people who in the end you may need help from some day.
Posted: 9:26 AM   by Anonymous
I think that a better word to describe Hardaway would be racist.
Posted: 9:27 AM   by Mark Schacter
Isn't it ironic that an African-
American, whose heritage includes victimization by those who couldn't see beyond the color of a person's skin, would condemn a man strictly because of his sexual orientation?
Posted: 9:28 AM   by Ravishing
How can America be a free land when we ban people from speaking thier feelings? He did not say hateful things he just said something he is uncomfotable with. Gays have not been sold into slaves nor suffered the attacks that many have in our country. Sure they can have their lifestyle they choose and you know what they have the right to be the way they are because of the freedom I help give them. Tim can say whatever he wants and this just shows Big Dave's stupidity
Posted: 9:28 AM   by Anonymous
To be against the gay lifestyle is not Moronic it is RIGHT! Does anyone know what a phobia is anymore? It is the fear of something, just because Hardaway doesn't like gays doesn't mean he fears them. I am not afraid of them, they repulse me it is disgusting and unnatural! One ought to hate the SIN and not the sinner. Because one is against the homosexual lifestyle DON'T paint a "scarlett letter" on their chest! The "tolerant" people like this author are the most intolerant people I know!
Posted: 9:33 AM   by Anonymous
JD.
Why are we making a big deal out off it. He is human and humans can make mistake. Maybe he should have not said what he said, but is done. Are we making a big deal because is famous. I bet you that if it was a normal person, nothing would'n happen. People forget that famous people are human too and they have the right to say whatever comes to their mind,and they can make mistake just like us ordinary people.
Posted: 9:34 AM   by Anonymous
I believe that the writer was judging Mr. Hardaway based on the fact that he expressed his dislike and hatred for gay people. Hardaway may have been moronic in expressing those views because it may hurt him financially as well, but I don't think that is what he was referring to.

I can understand how many do not equate the rights of homosexuals to the rights of racial minorities. Homosexuality may or may not be a choice (none of us truly know if sexuality is innate). Hatred of racial minorities is indefensible because it is inherent to who they are.

I equate anti-gay sentiment to anti-semitism or any religious persecution. Everyone is free to choose their religion, yet many people hate those of another religion. To some Christians, being Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, atheist, etc is a sin and a rejection of Jesus. Some people of the other religions hold similar views.

Is it ok to hate a Jew because he does not accept Jesus? How different is hating a gay person who you may believe chooses that sexuality?

Also, our laws do not typically view homosexual behavior as similar to bestiality to child molestation. The inherent difference between homosexual behavior and bestiality/molestation is consent. A child or an animal cannot, according to our laws, consent to such behavior.

To those who equate homosexuality with bestiality, is it because it is "disgusting" or because you feel it is sinister? Do you equate thieves, drug abusers, wife abusers and adulterers with homosexuals? Wouldn't Hardaway and those in the NBA with similar views be as irked by probably half of the NBA if it was simply due to sin?
Posted: 9:35 AM   by Anonymous
The difference between an Evangelical Christian and a gay person is that the gay person doesn't try to convert others to homosexuality every time they speak. All homosexuals want is acceptance, not for everyone else to change sexualities. I live in the Bible Belt and I think I'm gonna be sick.
Posted: 9:40 AM   by Anonymous
After reading through most of this thread, I'm disappointed but not surprised that this level of bias and prejudice is alive and well in our society. That said, I'm glad that Tim Hardaway expressed his opinion. It clearly shows why gay athletes feel the need to not be open about their sexuality.

I agree that, for lack of a better term, Hardaway is stupid. Look at the fallout from his article and the impact his comments will have on his legacy and his current career. Did he expect the NBA or the media to ignore his comments? What large national corporation or organization uses that type of language? From this perspective, making these comments on a radio interview was a stupid decision on his part.
Posted: 9:43 AM   by Anonymous
It wasn't that long-a-go, that they use to say the same about black people, it is amazing how quickly people forget. I suppose it is the typical pecking order syndrom, because you now feel that your are excepted. "Man" let's kick some body else
Posted: 9:44 AM   by DavidInTexas
the only thing in what hardaway said that i disagree with is the 'hate' word. but i still do not think that he should be hung out to dry like this for saying what most realistic people are thinking.
Posted: 9:44 AM   by Anonymous
I agree with having the right to have your own views. I dont agree with hatered towards people. What people do with there sexual life should not be your concern. Do we as a society really have time to worry about other people's sex life america get over it. What we need to worry about is why are we still at war, why are people in this country struggling to make it, why are childern killing each other. Not how someone loves another its really not your bussiness worry about your own life. And if you want to talk religon the only one who judges anything at the end of the day is GOD not you. We all are sinners and theres nothing you can do to change that. Remember the reality of it is we all are God's creation read between the lines.
Posted: 9:46 AM   by Tyler
Why is it when people call out gays as being a flat out sin and wrong then that person is a "moron". Have we gotten so bad in this country that we can't call things like they are. I agree he shouldn't have used the word hate, but NEVER will a gay lifestyle be seen as acceptable to bible believing christians.
Posted: 9:47 AM   by Anonymous
Hardaway does have freedom of speech and if that speech makes hime look like a moron then he should be called one. A comment on this board stated "who cares if Amaechi is gay?" Ummmm, apprently Tim Hardaway does.
Posted: 9:47 AM   by Iceman
Hardaway isn't a "moron" because of his views, he's a moron because he just (a) wiped out any potential income (b)labeled himself a homophobe and (c) lost his shot at the NBA Hall of Fame.
Posted: 9:50 AM   by Anonymous
Hardaway just said what was on his mind just like you all are. If you're a moron for speaking your mind, then I guess that's what I am along with all of the journalists and the person that did this article. He's just a biblical person. Because God destroyed a whole city due to homosexuality, is He a moron?
Posted: 9:51 AM   by Anonymous
Unbelievable that SI would allow a writer to come on and just spout out insults like this. So Tim Hardaway has a different opinion than you. I'm guessing it's not the first time that someone has had an opposing viewpoint than you...And I'm willing to bet that it's not the last time.

This is always such a one way street. If you don't support homosexuality, you are evil? Or a moron?

Do you think that someone could come out with a movie today called "Black men can't play hockey." Nope, but there is no problem with "white men can't jump"...

Homosexuality is evil. Using it to sell a book is even worse.
Posted: 9:51 AM   by Anonymous
Cheryl Swoopes came out, she got rewarded by endorsements. Maybe this guy wants the same.
Posted: 9:58 AM   by Paul B
Hate is a little strong, but maybe he had a bad experience and can't stand being around them. He has a right to say it, but will suffer some consequences.
Posted: 9:58 AM   by Anonymous
How could someone be considered a "Moron" for simply stating one's opinion. Although we may not agree with what he said, it is no reason to bash his character, in a logical sense your attack is against the person not Tim's statement.
Posted: 10:09 AM   by cordell
Why can't he say what he feels? Why should he have to be politically correct to keep from hurting someone's feelings? Why should he have to hide his feelings, but it's ok for a gay person to be open about their feelings? Why should an athelete have to worry about losing his career because he didn't soothe the feelings of a gay person.

What has happened to honesty, why are we forced to pretend to accept something, we don't agree with?
Posted: 10:09 AM   by Anonymous
I'm sick and tired of people getting bashed for making comments like that. The last time I checked, science hadn't proven that genes have anything to do with homosexuality. What' that tell you? It's a choice. What's that mean? Homosexuals are NOT a people group that deserves the public's special consideration. African Americans? Yes. Disabled? Yes. Homosexuals? No. William F. was right. Hate the sin, not the sinner.
Posted: 10:09 AM   by Anonymous
The more things change the more they stay the same. You don't need to read much of the comments page to see just how far we haven't come as a society. It is my hope that Tim has unknowingly done us all a great service by shining a light on that fact and will become a catalist for change rather than just a reflection of the ugliness that lies within all of us.
Posted: 10:14 AM   by Anonymous
Advocating that NBA stars come out and bash Hardaway is jeuvenile. Grow up and give us all a break.
Posted: 10:17 AM   by Anonymous
More moronic--or perhaps just appalling--than Hardaway's vitriol is that so few of these postings contain correct grammar, word usage, and spelling.

But getting back to the issue at hand, it is not that Hardaway isn't entitled to his opinion, but that he chose to express it through such a public medium, oblivious, apparently, to the backlash that would inevitably occur. I neither agree with nor care about his views (he's unable, even in his anger, to articulate them--"it shouldn't be in the world or in the United States." Whatever.), but it's a shame that some of the individuals we entrust to carry on the legacy of some activity popular in mass culture (even while no longer participating in it physically) cannot separate their public persona from their private lives. This sort of discrepancy makes Hardaway's diatribe so much more pernicious than, for example, the recent flareups on the Gray's Anatomy set or Michael Richards's meltdown.
Posted: 10:22 AM   by Jeff - Boston
If Tim's a moron...then do we need to make special locker rooms in high schools, fitness clubs or the nba, nfl, & nhl for those who profess their homosexuality? (Not to mention separate saunas for SouthEnd BSC sexcapades.) Maybe separate barracks for gays in the military too! I think it should be national mandate to put blinders between all urinals as well. No free peeks!!! If not, I should have the right to share a bathroom or locker room with women whom I may be attracted to...it's only natural to mix sensitive environments with those you're potentially pursing intimate relationships with...science proved it.
Posted: 10:25 AM   by Anonymous
Great article. He offended a group of people who spend money in the NBA, work for the NBA, and buy the products endorsed by the NBA. He is a business owner, running a car wash. Would he hate to wash the cars of gay people or hate to take the money for the services he provides…Right on…a MORON
Posted: 10:26 AM   by Anonymous
Is not this the United States of America where everyone is entitled to their own opinion? or is that only when their opinion is politically correct?
Posted: 10:27 AM   by Anonymous
What's this crap about "SIN"... I hope all the gay and lesbian waiters spit in Hardaway's food!
Posted: 10:28 AM   by shane
I have just read through these comments and it seems there are a lot of "morons" out there. All of you people out there justifying Hardaway's comments by citing your religious beliefs is so hypocritical. He said he "hated gay people". You can't pick and choose what parts of the bible are important. The bible teaches love not hate. As for freedom of speech. Would you people be all behind Hardaway making these comments if he was a klansmen saying he hated blacks or jews? I think not. It does not matter whether you agree or disagree with homosexuality. It's not the point here. We are supposed to live in a world of tolerance and there is a big difference between stating that you are uncomfortable with homsexuality and saying that you "hate" a whole group of people.
A note to all you people citing religious beliefs...Read the whole bible and then make your comments!
Shane Cantrell
Posted: 10:30 AM   by Anonymous
for those who have defended their statements of prejudice by claiming that homosexuality is a "choice" need to read a book. Homosexuality is not a choice - it is biological and there is no choice. Stop being afraid of things you don't understand. It is stunning that Tim Hardaway, a macho tough guy, is afraid of what people of his opinion would think of as a sissy. Who's the real sissy Tim? Grow up.
Posted: 10:33 AM   by Anonymous
'Political Correctness' - a phrase that I hear over and over, came to my mind while reading your article. Hardaway's comments were harsh and unjustified. He barely knew Amaechi and he already hated him for being 'different.' However, he had a full, constitutional right to speak his mind and, at the same time, he could have lost a lot of 'respect' in other peoples' eyes. On the other hand, it still reminds me how phony and untrue the people are. Most of them don't speak their minds because they are afraid of coming out as different. Why don't we talk how communities that are segregated all over the country, why don't we talk about minorities or low income families that are not treated equally, why don't we honestly talk about the war in Iraq??? Maybe there is a someone else who is responsible for all these dillemas who also should be called a MORON. Are we afraid to speak our minds....?
Posted: 10:34 AM   by Random Chicagoan
Hatred is simply an emotion, and emotions are not governed by intelligence or logic. Irrational hatred can be harmful to a society. Tim Hardaway displayed irrational hatred towards a sizable subset of the population. He offered no reasons for his opinion of homosexuals or possible homosexual teammates. However, just as homosexuals have a right to engage in their lifestyle free of bigotry and oppression, Mr. Hardaway also has a right to hold and express his views without bigotry and oppression. Just because he embraces an ideology that you and the "enlightened" members of the media have come to reject, does not mean he is a moron or unintelligent. Likening Mr. Hardaway to a Nazi or other people who advocate the violent eradication of others is not at all apporpriate. Although he said it basically shouldn't exist, he did not call for anyone's extermination or internment. Take his comments for what they were, personal and harmless rants of an average homophobe, not a moron.
Posted: 10:37 AM   by Anonymous
I agree that Hardaway is a moron. However, I do not believe he has thought deeply enough about the topic and its complexities to actually "hate gays". I think he meant the comment in the same spirit as if someone would say, "I hate David Stern" etc. Still, why are we putting so much emphasis on what Hardaway says? This is like asking Moses Malone to comment on the middle east situation.
Posted: 10:37 AM   by Anonymous
While he does have a right to his opinion, he said "i hate gay people." That crosses the line between saying that homosexuality is wrong, or that he believes that its a sin and being a bigot.

He isn't questioning Hardaway's right to say it, hes saying that saying it is moronic.
Posted: 10:38 AM   by Anonymous
I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU GUYS ARE CALLING MR. HARDAWAY A MORON, THE MAN HAS THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS HIMSELF. I THOUGHT WE ARE LIVING IN AMRICA; WHAT HAPPEN TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH. I UNDERSTAND MR. SHOULD NOT EXPRESS HATRED TOWARD OTHERS BUT HE SAID WHAT HE GOT TO SAY. LETS BE FOR REAL AS MAN PLAYING FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL BASEBALL, ETC.., HOW WOUL YOU FEEL IF YOU KNOW YOUR TEAM WH IS A MAN IS LOOKING AT YOU WITH LUSTING EYES IN THE LOCKER ROOM? I HEAR ALOT OF POEPLE ARE COMPARING HOMOS WITH BLACK, NOW THOSE POEPLE SHOULD CALL MORON, SUCH AS CHARLES BARKLEY, ERNIE JOHNSON, REGGIE MILLER AND SMITH; WHERE IN THE WORLD YOU GUYS GET THAT IDEAS. THOSE GUYS WERE BORN HOMOS, THEY PRACTICING A LIFESTYLE. GOD DID MAKE THAT MISTAKE. IT IS SOMETHING THAT WAS LEARNED NOT BORN WITH. BLACK POEPLE WERE BORN BLACK; THE BLACK WERE CREATED SINCE THE BEGINNING OF CREATION. HOMOSEXUALY AND LESBANISM WERE NOT. YOU GUYS BETTER GET YOU ACT RIGHT, TALK LIKE YOU SOME KNOWLEDGE, READ YOUR BIBLE; THE GOOD LORD CONDEMNED HOMOSESUALITY AND LESBIENISM. IF DO NOT STOP PRACTICING THAT KIND OF LIFESTYLE AND REPENT FROM IT, THEY ALL GOING BURN IN HELL, I AM SAYING IT AGAIN THEY ARE ALL GOING TO BURN IN HELL.
Posted: 10:38 AM   by Anonymous
i agree with William F. hate the sin not the sinner.Hardaway you're no saint,sin is sin,homosexuality is no different than hate and you have displayed this in your comments.Anyway whos to say how many gays have you played with and not known.So grow up,and if it bothers you that much pray for them,and for yourself.
Posted: 10:38 AM   by Anonymous
the NBA should levy a $500k fine for this kind of behavior.
Posted: 10:39 AM   by Anonymous
I feel Hardaway on what he said but I think he came out looking a little to moronic on that comment. Makes peolpe who deserve to live in this world feel like their is no place for them and that's not how people should feel. Everyone should be treated equaly. KING CROSSOVER IS VERY MORONINIC FOR THIS ONE!!!
Posted: 10:43 AM   by meangene
Why does anyone ever need to announce his or her's sexual preference anyway? I don't care to know what gender John Amaechi or Cheryl Swoopes or anyone else chooses to have sex with.
Any sexual acts should take place between consenting adults and always behind close doors only.
And frankly it's the sex that defines straight vs gay.

Stop "coming out" gay america and keep your preferences to your damn self and we can then find something else to fight and argue and divide ourselves about!!!
Posted: 10:44 AM   by Anonymous
What I don't exactly understand is the use of the word "homophobia." By definition, phobia is the "persistent, irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation." While I despise homosexuals, certainly I'm not afraid of them. Tim's commments are not, in my opinion, "homophobic." So I'm creating a new term: Sexual Orientationism
Posted: 10:45 AM   by Anonymous
HOMOSEXUALITY IS A SIN,AND SO IS HATE!!!! PERIOD...
Posted: 10:45 AM   by Tigerrarr
I am going to come out of the closet right now and say I feel the same way as Tim does. Way to go Tim, someone had to say it!
Posted: 10:46 AM   by Anonymous
"Black" is not a behavior. Homosexuality is. Although Hardaway's comments were clearly hateful, disagreeing with the acts of homosexualty is not hateful (nor homophobic).
Posted: 10:47 AM   by RRP
Now which one of you judging is God - please identify yourself? History should've taught us that this kind of thinking and comments are self destructive....i know being black and being gay are different...same point!
Posted: 10:48 AM   by Anonymous
This is the kind of thinking that was prevalent in the USA before the Civil Rights bill was passed. That kind of thinking just wont seem to go away. Its amazing how negativity leaves its influences
Posted: 10:49 AM   by Anonymous
Hey Amaechi, no one cares that you're gay. We didn't need you to remind us that some athletes are gay. We already knew that, thanks.

Hey Hardaway, no one cares that you don't like gays. We didn't need you to remind us that many people disapprove of homosexuality. We already knew that, thanks.

This stuff makes all those "Who got snubbed from the All-Star game?" articles look like actual sports news.
Posted: 10:51 AM   by Ghost
This has been repeted over an over, again. Tim's comments refelects what an how 99.9% of American's feel and think. But sinse the average American is not in the spot light, as Super Star NBA Baller,(pass) there opinion has no merit. I applaud Mr. Hardaway for his freedom of speech.
Posted: 10:52 AM   by Anonymous
I agree with Tim. That makes me a moron. You have no right to use this column to make this kind of attacks.
M. Jack, I may break your arm for calling me a moron :-) ...or should I just sue you and SI for the article you wrote? I found it very offending.
Posted: 12:25 PM   by Dennis
I was just thinking...
Why does this have to be a locker room issue? These guys make millions of dollars. Is showering together really necessary for team chemistry? Watch a movie or play scrabble. Cant everyone shower by themselves? Why is it fine and dandy to shower with a pack of naked straight men but not a gay man? Regardless of your stance on the issue, I think thats a workable solution: build the newest sports complexes so everyone doesn't hang out naked together. Even people like myself who have no problem with gay people wouldn't mind their own cozy shower, especially if I made 3 million dollars a year.
Posted: 1:35 PM   by Anonymous
Definitely moronic.

Public hatred is a gateway to bigotry, ignorance and violence.

Unacceptable despite claims to 'free speech'.

No room for hatred and absolutely no tolerance for those who perpetuate it.
Posted: 1:36 PM   by glenn
why do so many people think homosexuality is achoice. for the vast majority of us gay or straight it is not. i am straight, happy to be so but when i look inside myself it is clear it is just the way god made me. i can look at tom brady or steve young and recognize they are really good looking masculine guys which i would expect woman to find sexually attractive, but i don't wonder what they look like with their clothes off or have fanasties about seducing them or being seduced by them. a beautiful woman is capable of arousing all those thoughts in me. examine your own feelings about your sexuality, could you really choose to be attracted to aperson of the same sex? why would you think gay people choose a way of life where they are subject to hate and prejudice.
Posted: 1:47 PM   by Brent
Here is a question - so many sportswriters have said it is no big deal that Amechi is coming out after he stopped playing, that a gay athlete needs to come out while playing in a pro league. How many gay sportswriters have come out? And how many writers have stepped up in public and said they would embrace an openly gay colleague? Don't be hypocritical.
Posted: 1:52 PM   by Anonymous
If one is a "moron" to feel uncomfortable that a gay man is sharing a locker room with him, why not just make all locker rooms and bathrooms unisex, so that I can share them with the gender I'm attracted to whether they're comfortable with it or not.
Posted: 1:53 PM   by Anonymous
It's clear to me that intolerance still runs rampant in this country, especially in the sports world. I see a lot of people like to use their christian god and the bible to help support their virtiolic hatred of things they can't understand. Very convenient that most christian bible thumpers can simply pick and choose the parts of the bible that fits their argument. I wonder how many of you so called good christians still practice the keeping of concubines, or stoning their neighbors, since those seem to be prefectly acceptable behaviors in the bible.
Homosexuality won't bring this society down, close minded religious zeolotry will.
Posted: 1:56 PM   by Anonymous
Moronic? Hardly...I applaud Hardaway for being brave enough to take on such a touchy issue, however, the man shouldve chosen his words carefully. Hate is a pretty strong word.
Posted: 2:28 PM   by Anonymous
You are no better than Hardaway for calling him a moron.He emphatically expressed his opinion. He has the right to be 'wrong' if there are those who think he is. I do not agree with his choice of words, but I do accept his opinion. What is your opinion on gays and lesbians?
Posted: 2:31 PM   by Anonymous
How far have we come from the Days of Magic and his struggle? ignorance is a scary and ugly thing. How many players refused to play against him???
Posted: 2:33 PM   by Anonymous
I think the NBA has taken the most foolish move in this whole matter. And that's right, I exercise my right to have my personal view on this matter, not sanctioned by any corporation or whatever, and I really don't care about political correctness, which is the ill that many large corporations, such as the NBA suffer from.

Mr. Hardaway was asked his opinion, and he gave his honest view on the matter, in particular with regard to the presence of gays on the team, given the close interactions that teammates are required to have, such as shared locker facilities, which would naturally be uncomfortable for a straight man, but not at all uncomfortable for a homosexual male.

Why in hell, is the NBA stepping in this matter, and removing him from his scheduled All-Star weekend activities, because of him stating his personal, non-NBA-sanctioned views. They are thereby saying that it is more condemnable to be a straight man who denounces homosexual behaviour, than to be a homosexual man publicly declaring his homosexuality to sell a book.
Posted: 2:35 PM   by Anonymous
Some of these comments have shown how far society has come, but some of these comments show how far we still have to go.
I agree with you, Jack. Tim is being a moron. Not necessarily for his comments, which I do think are ignorant, but he brought up his opinion in the wrong forum. He thought out his words, he just didn't think out where to bring them up.

I think sports has a long way to go in learning acceptance for minorities. The idea of sports as supreme machoism has to change.
Posted: 3:05 PM   by Anonymous
This sotry is as note worthy and important as the Anna Nichole Smith Saga. Who cares.
Nobody cared about John Amaechi while he sat on the bench so why would we care if he is gay. If being gay isn't a big deal, why write a book about it?
Last I checked the US is in a war. Soldiers are giving their lives for this country and we are rewarding them by talking about a big gay center and a no talent big boob want to be actress.
Lets move on.
Posted: 5:01 PM   by sw
Bigotry and prejudice will never cease to exist on this planet so long as religion exists.

There, I said it. I find it infuriating/hilarious/incredibly sad that people are given a free pass when it comes to holding irrationally prejudiced and bigoted feelings as long as they are justified by some supposed deity's alleged message. The real problem is that rationality and faith are basically mutually exclusive. The word faith, which is inexplicably extolled as a virtue in religious circles, is defined as belief not based on any sort of proof or justification. In other words, beliefs that do not necessarily have any legitimate or worthwhile basis can be deemed acceptable based solely on the fact that "God said so." It's one thing to try and communicate or compromise with someone who differs in opinion from yourself, it's another thing entirely to try and do so with someone who refuses to alter his viewpoint at all even in the face of the most valid of arguments.

If people were willing to set their preconceived religious notions at least slightly aside and recognize that other people's beliefs are just as plausible (or implausible) as their own, the world would be a MUCH better place. However, doing so would represent heresy in most major religions, unfortunately, and thus we still have religious zealots (including Christians, Muslims, Jews, etc.) spreading their messages of prejudice and intolerance.

Christians claiming that homosexuals are headed for eternal damnation simply because "God said so" is no different than if I were to say left-handed people are headed for eternal damnation because "God said so" to me personally. That's my religious belief, so it's legitimate right? Better yet, how about if I were the President and I managed to pass legislation with my fellow lefty-haters in Congress to make sure left-handed infidels could not get married. Bigotry is bigotry, and blatant unjustified hatred should not be condoned in our society just because a book says it is alright.

The bottom line is that people buy into religion for the simple fact that, as the saying goes, ignorance can be bliss for some. It is easier for some people to blindly follow the hypocritical and illogical teachings of a book which promises eternal life after death, than for them to accept the fact that we simply do not know for sure what will happen after we pass away. The decision to opt for ignorance and turn to religion may be subconscious, but I truly believe that somewhere deep deep down, every religious person recognizes that they just do not know for sure if their set of beliefs about the existence of god and the afterlife is correct.

Consider this question, bible thumpers: would an all-loving god send a person who lived a completely moral and virtuous life to hell just because he refuses to believe that the Bible and its teachings are NECESSARILY the truth? Almost all Christians I've spoken to insist that a person cannot get into heaven without accepting that jesus was the son of god no matter how virtuously they lived otherwise, a cynical contradicion that illustrates the hypocrisy that pervades Christianity and most other religions that I am aware of. Such hypocrisy, however, seems to have been inevitable in the creation and development of the COMPLETELY MAN-MADE INSTITUTIONS that are the world's major religions.

Not to worry though, 5,000 years from now, it will be anybody's guess as to whether the world's current major religions will still be alive and kicking, or if they will simply go the way of the countless other religions that have grown antiquated and eventually become extinct during the world's history. Who knows what new preposterous sets of beliefs the masses will be convinced to lap up in the name of "god" in the millennia to come.
Posted: 7:11 PM   by Anonymous
mcallum is using his free speech to call hardaway's free speech ignorant just as many on this board are using their free speech to say that mcallum is forbidding free speech. i have an irony headache
Posted: 7:26 PM   by Anonymous
I am amazed at all the hateful things people have written here. Like gays or not, there is no need to be hateful, whats wrong with you people?
Posted: 8:13 PM   by Anonymous
is homosexuality wrong? yes. but is it right for someone to hate someone that is a homosexual? no. God created Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve, and that's all i gotta say.
Posted: 8:28 PM   by Anonymous
Tim Hardaway could have chosen a better choice of words, but he was not moronic. I dont agree with the hate part, but I wouldn't want to be walking around naked with a gay man in the locker room. Would you?
Posted: 9:05 PM   by Anonymous
It's amazing someone who is African-American can be so bigoted. Have we learned nothing? He's got his piece of the pie now, and thinks it's OK to hate a group of people he doesn't even know.
Posted: 9:36 PM   by Anonymous
Dear Jack
Would you be ok with your wife in some team locker room? If yes, you can call Tim moron, otherwise shut up, because we heterosexual do not like to have a homosexual around, specialty when we changin clothes...
Posted: 10:08 PM   by Anonymous
I have respect for Tim for speaking up about his feelings about gays. I don't agree that he should hate the people, but hate the life style. Homosexuality is without a doubt a sin. I know that it would cause my child or any kid to be confused if they were to see or know that two men or two women were in that type of a relationship. What real bothers me is when guys like Charles Barkley can make a statement that he cannot see how any Black man can discriminate againt someone else. To be born black is not a choice, but to be gay is. To discriminate against any race of people is not right. But to disagree with a lifestyle different, especially when it effects the minds of our youth.
Posted: 11:49 PM   by Jon Schafer
Tim had every right to say what he did. He may have been intense about the issue, but to ban him and give away endorsements is just stupid. Every man deserves his opinion on the topic, and should not be penalized for doing so. Everyone stands up for free speech until they get offended.
Posted: 4:20 AM   by Anonymous
Does Tim Hardaway have a right to speak his mind? Hell yes. But with every right comes an unwritten obligation to consider all points of view and be open minded.

And as a gay man who has played team sports all my life (rugby, hockey and football), I can honestly tell you that I don't go into the locker room looking at other guys. There's nothing more boring or less arousing than being a locker room for the 1000th time in your life. And anyone who gets to the NBA, MLB or NFL has spent way more time in lcoker rooms than I have. Get over yourselves.

Get to know a gay man and you'll find out that all your fears are unsubstantiated
Posted: 6:08 AM   by xrism
I dont agree in which that manner that he said it. I am totally against being hateful. That said. There is nothing wrong with believing that gay people are immoral. You would be a moron to think that having the freedom say homosexuality is a perversion is wrong. Being hateful is wrong. Believing the gay lifestyle is perverse isnt. Any person with half a brain knows that this country has been in a decline since the liberal movement began. That is just a fact of life. Liberals need to be tolerant and less judgemental on people who dont agree with their lifestyle. I am sorry to say but people have more conviction and discipline to their faith than to a lifestyle that includes a perverse parade in San Francisco, a minority that spreads HIV quicker than any other, a morality that says its ok to cheat on your wife and destroy a family as long as its with another man. A moron cant see the logic. Some of us hate what God hates. Some of us dont agree with the same things God doesnt agree with. If you want to argue that, take it up with Him.
Posted: 8:05 AM   by Anonymous
SW, you say rationality and faith are mutually exclusive, but this is not really the case. For one, science is based on the falsifiability of evidence, right? This says that for a fact to be scientific (aka rational), it must be stated in a way that it can be proved wrong. Thus, every theory, even the most plausible theories ever stated require some faith.

Strangely, in your statement, you later talk about things that we just don't know. But you seem very, very sure about the fallacious nature of religion and that it is MANMADE.

So what is it? Are there facts? Are there things we just don't know? Despite this, can't we just know for sure that religions are implausible and thus false?

And anyway, what does religion have to do with this? Are you responding to Tim Hardaway (has his religion surfaced yet?) or the guy whose earlier post used evolutionary theory to question the scientific validity of homosexuality?
Posted: 9:07 AM   by Marco
Many (say most) of the comments appearing here are just shocking for a European. But it only shows what we already knew: there are a lot of people in the US American hinterland that have not yet arrived to the 21st century. Just get it folks - being gay is as normal as anything. As long as we cannot overcome these kind of prejudices, how can we ever overcome race, religion, origin, poverty, hunger or anything in this world?!
Sorry to read all this!
Posted: 10:20 AM   by Omar the Omnipotent
No one says that Tim Hardaway doesn't have the right to say what he wants. But we have the right to say what we want about him. He attacked all homosexuals, and now he is surprised that he is drawing heat from his attack. He, Timmy, if you can't take the heat, then just shut up.
Posted: 11:30 AM   by Anonymous
There are some crazy people here. I don't agree with homosexuality either but the bible also preaches to love one another as well. Always love the sinner but not the sin. Hatred for Tim Hardaway or Jon Ameichi is unacceptable.
Posted: 11:41 AM   by D.M. Andrews, Munich, Germany
Well its not as bad as everyone is making it! Ignorance does not always mean evil. Mr. Hardaway probably has not had the chance to meet any gay people in a social sense to be able to understand people are just people? Who knows? Give him ten bonehead points for not being smart enough to keep such comments to himself but thats how he feels probably right along with millions of other people. Its a sad part of our society, but hey that's part of what good ole America was built on unfortunately. There's always a chance to learn and change, even for him.
Posted: 12:04 PM   by Anonymous
Most of the NBA is surrounded by illegal drugs and activities and Jack ridicules a man who feels uncomfortable taking a shower next to a gay guy.
Posted: 12:47 PM   by Anonymous
So he's a moron for using his first amendment rights. Apparently the only people who have freedom of speech are left-wing liberals like you.
Posted: 12:48 PM   by Anonymous
Jack - three things here. One, I believe Hardaway has the right to speak his mind, but most people over a certain IQ can discern that when someone wants to speak their mind, they should bare the brunt of the consequences. He's a target for the rest of his life, and I don't feel badly for him. He shouldn't apologize. Two, with regard to playing with a gay teammate, it shouldn't matter what preferences someone has outside of your work environment. I play a lot of ball - I wouldn't want someone like him on my team casting judgement like that. The player's committment to the team and a high level of productivity is what matters most. And three, NBA players make too much money to care about this, why would any stars you point out want to take this on? Civil/human rights activists asked MJ to take on the sweat shop issue for years, which he didn't b/c he made $$$ with Nike.
Posted: 1:09 PM   by Peter
I find it funny how those individuals who responded to this story who denounce homosexuality so profoundly refuse to even put a first name or any kind of tag to identify themselves. Now I am not saying they should list all their personal information on the internet for all to see, but I just find it telling that after making such "macho" anti-homosexual comments that you refuse to take any sort of credit for your opinion. In my OPINION...which I feel all the self important media types have forgotten, is that the whole situation has been blown out of proportion. I don't agree with what Hardaway said, but as people have pointed out, that's just as much his right to feel that way is it is for people to be homosexual. Just because some media brass gave this writer a picture and some space to write about whatever he felt like doesn't make his opinion any more important. If the media is so outraged and digusted by his comments then stop covering it.
Posted: 1:46 PM   by Cutt
Why is he a moron? Because he told the truth about how he felt or because you dont agree with what he said. If anything Hardaway showed that he is a true American because he said what he truly thought! The only reason he is a moron is because of that bogus apology!
Posted: 1:50 PM   by Anonymous
Unenlightened - ignorant - inarticulate. Moron implies that he lacks intellectual capacity. He doesn't like gays. His choice. In context, it came across as promoting hate of a group. Which is not okay regardless of his limited intellect. I don't remember him saying he was going to hurt a gay, but I may have missed that part of his rant. He's entitled to his free speech moment and the rest of us are free to ignore him. I never cared much for him as a player - a lot of wasted motion. If nothing else maybe the NBA will be more careful in picking its ambassadors. "NBA Cares" - somehow that doesn't jibe well with his remarks.
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