Four years ago, former Miami Heat guard Tim Hardaway said, “You know, I hate gay people… I am homophobic… It shouldn’t be in the world or in the United States.” After his pocketbook took a hit he turned around and said “I don’t hate gay people,” and since then, he has made an honest, heartfelt effort to speak out in support of LGBT-issues. Most recently, Hardaway flew in from Miami to El Paso to defend the politicians who re-instated for the city’s gay domestic partner benefits.
Sports Illustrated reports:
Rus Bradburd, the assistant on Don Haskins staff who recruited Hardaway to UTEP, was in El Paso for the event and said Hardaway was there for the right reasons. “Tim has shown great compassion in re-thinking his position,” said Bradburd. “It’s one thing for a celebrity to apologize as damage control. But in this case, Tim has taken a much bigger step: he’s pushing for the correct cause now, and equated the movement with Civil Rights struggles of the past. And the fact that he’s pushing for equal rights in a place that is not exactly the national stage makes his move even more authentic.”
Openly gay ex-NBA player John Amechi also said, “It seems to me that this is a far more genuine piece of outreach … I hope this is a story of true redemption rather than a savvy p.r. ploy. Either way, he is at least saying the right words, and that will make a positive difference.”
Since his infamous homophobia line in 2007, Hardaway became a regular face at the Yes Institute, which fights for queer kids. At the time of his anti-gay ‘rehabilitation’ Hardaway said, “I just wanted to go in and get educated, that’s all. Get educated on what I said and why I said those things. I’m working on understanding it now. I’m not really trying to make amends. I’ve been there trying to get help. I had no idea how much I hurt people. A lot of people. I have taken steps and I’m happy that I did. If I didn’t, I’d still be naive about it, ignorant about the whole thing. But I can talk about it now. I’m a polite person. That’s how I am.”
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Fitz
I’m giving the benefit of the doubt. People grow. I have said some stupid hateful shit in my days.
CMObrero
I Like @Fitz comment. I have said some stupid hateful shit in my days too.
Dodgy
Yep, good for him making the effort. I’m English and so have no idea who he is, but it does sound genuine
Mike in Asheville
Cheers for Tim Hardaway!
As national polling trends show, more and more Americans are moving toward equality. That movement is only possible when anti-gay people become formerly anti-gay. In this case, Hardaway did not just move toward progress, he is pushing others to follow his lead. What a great story.
the crustybastard
It’s cheering to get good news once in a while. Thanks.
Codswallop
I’m glad to see Hardaway’s seemingly real turnabout, especially after so many athletes have issued lame PR-driven “I’m sorry you got offended” non-apologies for offensive speech. It says a lot for him that he felt the need to look for the source of his homophobia and even more that he was able to overcome it.
scott ny'er
@the crustybastard: Agree. it’s nice to hear these things. And it does sound like he seems genuine.
Skeloric
Maybe I’m more paranoid, as I seem to think that with roughly 75% of the United States vehemently opposed to Equal Rights/Equal Marriage, there must be people out there saying what we want to hear while still voting and legislating the same old way.
Just maybe, he is one of those people.
Telling us what he needs for us to to hear while still voting the same old way.
Meowzer
I guess I a cynic, but I find it hard to believe he’s gone from “hating gays and being homophobic” to a champion for our cause in 4 short years.
Yes, I understand people change, but everything just seems too perfect. His pocketbook took a hit the first time around, maybe he’s hoping to refill it by being a good little LGBT protecting boy.
I don’t know, I’d still like to know a little more. I’m still wary.
timr9
All I can say is he had one sweet lookin ass on those youtube vids in the shower room
BigWoody
You know, I hate Tim Hardaway… I am Tim-phobic… He shouldn’t be in the world or in the United States…… WHAT? No more endorsement deals or commentator jobs for me because I hate Tim Hardaway? Oh, ok… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. I learned nothing in college so I’m gonna get educated now and do a couple of speeches about not hating Tims. (How long do I have to keep up this charade before I can start making money again? F#@%ing Tims…)
Until he explains his change of heart on a national stage such as an interview with ESPN or Outsports.com, I tend to be very skeptical. Was his PR rep. or agent pissed because thier commission was down to zero? Did his momma scold him? Did someone close come out to him?
hephaestion
I think Queerty would do well to report on more ex-homophobes. It cheers us up, gives credit to the ex-homophobe, and might encourage more homophobes to change.
Skeloric
@Meowzer & @BigWoody: Seems we all agree that something is real fishy about this.
Sebizzar
@hephaestion: Agreed, especially because i gave up hope for homophobes so when i hear stuff like this my faith slightly restores xP
Skeloric
What we are approaching is the era where EVERYONE is publicly our friend yet privately our enemy.
Not a good place to be.
Scott
Looks like his sensitivity training paid off. I heard after his hate speech he voluntarily worked with gay teenagers and found out gays are people too.