Roy Hibbert Apologizes For His Vulgar Comments From Press Conference, Still Gets Fined $75,000
Pacers center Roy Hibbert gave quite a colorful interview on Saturday night which got him in hot water over his “vulgar” remarks—-particularly, for calling the media “Motherf—-ers” and using the words “no homo.”
See for yourself here:
At the time, he also said he didn’t care if his crude and vulgar language during a news conference drew a fine.
Well they DID—to the tune of $75,000.
But before he fine was issued, Hibbert released a statement through the Pacers on Sunday morning to apologize:
“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.”
Hibbert used the phrase “no homo” in the middle of a description of his pivotal play during the Pacers’ Game 6 win vs. the Miami Heat. That phrase led him to tweet to Jason Collins, the only openly gay active NBA player ever, whom Hibbert has matched up against at center many times…AND who he publicly supported when Collins came out as the first openly gay active male athlete in a major professional sport LONG before this debacle.
That quote was shown live on NBATV.
He later described the news media with an obscenity in explaining why he did not receive more votes for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award.
Pacers coach Frank Vogel spoke with Hibbert on Sunday about the comments.
“It’s simple. I support him. I know he’s not that person and that it was a mistake,” Vogel said. “He knows he’s wrong. I didn’t have to tell him that and we all love and support him.”
But on the plus side, Roy won’t be hurting too bad since he makes roughly $75,000 for every 22 in-game minutes he plays.
