Some of the most vile and profane language ever uttered is heard in NBA arenas. The arena vernacular is indicative of the world we live in. We live in a very troubled world. People have troubled thoughts and they have no problem expressing them.
Unfortunately, mankind is unkind! When we are hurt, we hurl verbal assaults and insults with venomous zeal. No, we don't usually mean what we say. However, when it is said; it is said! As much as you would like to reach out with your fingers and pull those words back into your mouth you cannot do it. You have uttered the unbelievable. Yes, you said it and you are sorry you said it. "I am sorry!" That is all you can say.
All persons are deserving of dignity. Whether you are gay or straight you are worthy of dignity, respect, and honor. No one should ever be called out of his name. However, why is it that only so-called homophobic slurs warrant a hefty fine from the National Basketball Association hierarchy? Is GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) dictating league policy?
I wonder what would have happened if Kobe or Joakim had used another disparaging or demeaning term or name. What if they called the ref or fan a M*****F*****, SOB, B****A**MF, Pr***, Di**, etc. What if he had just called him a "sissy"? What would be the fine? You get my point.
Fans and players hurl these names with great regularity. Are all players fined for such conduct? Are fans removed from the arena for using such profanity?
I posed that question to Tim Frank, the NBA's Senior Vice President of Basketball Communications. This is what he had to say:
"I don't typically answer hypothetical questions and I won't here ... each
situation is judged on the factors involved in that particular case"
That was his reply. Now I have a term I'd like to use. That's a "wienie" reply. If the league is taking such a determined stance against homophobia; why stop there? Let's stamp out xenophobia, arachnophobia, cacophobia, brontophobia, chionophobia, and all the ill "phobias" known to humankind.
No! Kobe and Joakim should never have expressed themselves in such fashion. It was wrong.
This is a wake-up call to all of us. How's my vocabulary? Do I say unkind things to people? Am I prone to "cussing someone out"? Makes one think, doesn't it?
Surely, if Kobe and Joakim were fined for such inappropriate behavior; something should have been done to Kenyon Martin for his little tirade.
NBA basketball is very entertaining. Unfortunately, its players and fans are far from perfect. I'm not trying to excuse their actions, because there is responsibility that comes with privilege. It's a privilege to be a fan or player.
However, all of us should be responsible citizens and leave the "guttertalk" at home...or, better yet, in the gutter.
