Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert has
apologized for using the term “no homo.”
During a press conference following
game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Hibbert used the term in
connection with a reference to Miami Heat power forward LeBron James.
“I really felt that I let Paul
[George] down in terms of having his back,” Hibbert said, “when
LeBron was scoring in the post or getting to the paint because he
stretched me out so much, no homo.”
Hibbert also called the media
“motherfuckers.”
The 26-year-old Hibbert, who during the
conference said he did not care if he was fined, was fined $75,000
for his outburst.
“Such offensive comments will not be
tolerated by the NBA,” NBA Commissioner David Stern said.
In a statement released Sunday, Hibbert
apologized.
“I am apologizing for insensitive
remarks made during the postgame press conference after our victory
over Miami Saturday night. They were disrespectful and offensive and
not a reflection of my personal views. I used a slang term that is
not appropriate in any setting, private or public, and the language I
used definitely has no place in a public forum, especially over live
television. I apologize to those who I have offended, to our fans
and to the Pacers' organization. I sincerely have deep regret over
my choice of words last night,” he said.