https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D_XLCmY0D8&feature=player_embedded
According to the NBA, fans are 50% less worth protecting than referees because they only fined Chicago Bull’s Joakim Noah $50,000 for saying “fuck you, faggot” to a fan; half of what they charged Kobe Bryant for calling a referee a “fucking faggot.” Last we checked, Kobe had decided to appeal the fine. Will Noah do the same? While we ponder that, let’s watch NBA players Grant Hill and Jared Dudley PSA for GLSEN against anti-gay language in sports. Are you watching, Noah?
Mike in Asheville
The explosion of publicity created by NBA players’ slurs is far and beyond greater than the fines of $100k and $50k.
Front page coverage, network news coverage, blogs and internet coverage … exposure of homophobia and bullying, priceless.
alan brickman
It puts the issue front and center…fining people for free speech is wrong though…
At Work
@alan brickman:
He is allowed to say what ever he wants to say.. that is free speech.
However there is not any law that says that you cannot be held accountable by what you say.
Most importantly, he is at the place of his employment. Just as teachers, lawyers, doctors, waste management etc have employement policies so does the NBA. Fortunately, the professonal sports world are bringing a focus towards the bullying and homophobia. It is not the cure all, but a step in a good direction.
RomanHans
> Is $50,000 Enough Punishment For Joakim Noah’s
> Televised “Faggot”?
No. He makes $12 million a year, so this is the equivalent of a guy who makes $100,000 a year being fined $400. Here in New York, that’s the tip you leave for dinner.
Meanwhile, why is the amount homophobic players are fined going down? They’ve had enough warning: why doesn’t it get more severe? In a few months will they just be required to forfeit their pocket change?
PLAINTOM
Yes the fine is sufficient because the exposure is priceless.(Mike is absolutely correct) This action reaches a much broader audience and presents a teachable moment.
timncguy
@Alan Brickman…… The Free Speech rights that we as US citizens enjoy only allow us to speak freely without the GOVERNMENT stopping us. That is all it is, nothing more. The government didn’t come after Noah for what he was freely allowed to say. His employer did. Our right to free speech does not guarantee that we will not be judged and endure consequences for what we say by other citizens or our employers. It only protects us from the government.
TommyOC
@RomanHans: “..why is the amount homophobic players are fined going down?”
It’s not. Kobe got fined more because he tossed his slur at an official. The abuse of officials in the NBA is disturbingly high and the commissioner made it a preseason proclamation that he’ll do whatever he can to stop it. (That’s why even throwing your hands up in frustration after a call is a Technical foul this year.)
So one could say, after looking at the Noah incident, is that a homophobic slur is worth $50,000. Verbal abuse toward an official? Another $50,000.
Why aren’t fans worth protecting through fines? Because I’ve NEVER seen a fan get assaulted, verbally or physically, by an athlete without having brought it upon themselves. Sure, an athlete needs to show restraint and take things on the chin, but they’re human. And it’s not surprising that they lash out at abusive fans on occasion. That’s fine.
Just watch what you say when you do. *That’s* the lesson currently being imparted by the NBA front office.
alan brickman
censuring free speech with fines does not make the problem of intolerance go away…maybe children would get that on that level….bring back morning goods!
Kieran
What do you think would happen to a white player if he said “fuck you, nigger” to a black fan in a fit of anger?
Shannon1981
@Kieran: Exactly. and nobody would accepting any half assed apology for that either. IDK why people are quick to forgive these homophobes.
Sebizzar
Wow, look at all the homophobic comments under that Youtube vid. When will people learn…