In their continuing efforts to distance themselves from homo-hating Tim Hardaway, the NBA has banned the former Miami Heat guard from attending this weekend's All-Star Game in Las Vegas. NBA Commissioner David Stern again reiterated that the league doesn't support Hardaway's comments. He also encouraged the country to discuss the larger issues and said he's not surprised by the context:

This is an issue overall that has fascinated America. It's not an NBA issue…This is a country that needs to talk about this issue. And, not surprisingly, they use sports as a catalyst to begin the dialogue.

Meanwhile, Hardaway again apologized for saying he hates gay people and admitting that he's a homophobe, a word he can barely pronounce. Harnessing the power of history, Hardaway insisted:

As an African-American, I know all too well the negative thoughts and feelings hatred and bigotry cause. I regret and apologize for the statements that I made that have certainly caused the same kinds of feelings and reactions.

I especially apologize to my fans, friends and family in Miami and Chicago. I am committed to examining my feelings and will recognize, appreciate and respect the differences among people in our society.

Cue the publicist-endorsed trip to bigot rehab.

(Also, please note we've change Hardaway's nick name from "Hate-A-Gay" to "Hates-The Gays". It's more universal, much like his distaste for the dick tasters.)

• Tim Hardaway's homophobia makes The Today Show's Ann Curry giggle.

• Gaydar to honor Gary Frisch at party. Poppers not included.

• Rosie O'Donnell wants John Stamos and his big cock, too.

• Margaret Thatcher's made of stone.

• Milli Vanilli to become movie?

• Lifetime takes pity on Carson Kressley.

So, the world's buzzing over Tim Hardaway's homophobic remarks concerning John Amaechi and the rest of Gayville. While most people, including Amaechi himself, can agree that his words will help launch a much needed discussion, others are ready to forget.

Take, for example, ESPN journalist, Gene Wojciechowski. He doesn't seem to understand the gravity of Hardaway's blatant bigotry, nor does he appreciate the magnitude of Amaechi's coming out. Wojciechowski starts by stating the fact that there are gays in every profession, but this declaration then becomes the crux of a seriously misguided argument. While he concedes Hardaway's words pack a punch, Wojciechowski doesn't seem to think they're newsworthy. He writes:

The news isn't that Amaechi is gay and wrote a book about it. The news isn't that Tim Hardaway is a self-confessed homophobic and told a radio sports talk-show host about it. The news is that it won't be news a week from now. And that's a good thing.

Is it? Because we tend to agree with Amaechi when he says Hardaway's comments should open the way for a more honest, progressive dialogue. But, Wojciechowski doesn't seem to know the meaning of the p-word. Or maybe he just doesn't want it. From the sound of his argument, he'd prefer a little stagnant balance.

CONTINUED »

Tim Hardaway may say he's sorry for saying he doesn't like the homos, but we bet he's sorrier Outsports named as one of their top-ten could-be-queers back in 2001. Predicating the piece on the percentage of men who are gay (1 in 10), the boys conclude that means every basketball team has a gay player. They go on to conjecture which players may play for the other team. And, of course, Tim Hate-a-gay ranks as number 7. Outsports writes:

Tim Hardaway, Miami. Not too different from the bruthas one might run into at any black gay club on a Saturday night. Opposite of Dale Davis. Not really trying to be tough. Just himself.

Judging by this picture, seems like they hit the nail on the head. Even the font's gay.