Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah used an anti-gay slur during game three of the team's Eastern Conference series with the Miami Heat May 22, according to USA Today.
Noah used the same slur that Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant said last month—one that caused him to be hit with a $100,000 fine from the NBA.
The Bulls player was fined $50,000, according to the Chicago Tribune. The NBA office announced that Noah was fined for "using a derogatory and offensive term from the bench," adding that Noah's fine was less than Bryant's because "Kobe's fine included discipline for verbal abuse of a game official."
After the game, Noah said he was sorry: "A fan said something, and I said something back. I apologized. I don't know what's going to happen. I got caught up. I didn't mean any disrespect to anybody."
"We're impressed by the NBA's precedent-setting effort to eliminate gay slurs on the court," said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign. "We are seeing a new conversation beginning in the world of sports, where a growing number of pro-athletes are publicly standing up for equality."
Kevin Boyer, GLAAD Chicago Leadership Council co-chair, stated before news of Noah's fine hit that "The NBA and the Bulls must take action against Joakim Noah. Anti-gay slurs fuel intolerance and have no place in sports. The NBA has a responsibility to create a safe environment for fans, employees and players and, yes, even fans of opposing teams who heckle players. Noah's non-apology, excusing his behavior by blaming "frustration," shows that he doesn't really understand that thesekinds of slurs aren't ever acceptable. Coming so close on the heels of the public incident with Kobe Bryant, the NBA needs to take swift action in speaking out against Noah's remarks."
Mark Sakalares, commisioner of the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Associaiton's (CMSA's) men's basketball league, released a statement saying: "Even our hometown heroes make mistakes that can be not only offensive but harmful. CMSA is also the proud home of the world's largest gay basketball league, and we often gather to cheer for the Bulls—our favorite NBA team.
The Center on Halsted also issued a release, saying, "Hate speech sets the stage for bullying and violence. When public figures use derogatory terms—on national television, no less—the impact is even greater. ... We have invited Mr. Noah and the Chicago Bulls organization to get involved in the work we do to provide young people, many of whom are homeless and the victims of hate violence, a safe place to participate in sporting activities, where they can learn the value of teamwork, leadership, and healthy lifestyles."
Noah's slur came a week after Phoenix Suns executive Rick Welts came out of the closet.
