No Homo Bro! Basketballer Cam Thomas Fined For Homophobic Comment
It’s widely reported that elite sport has a homophobia issue. It’s now more pressing than ever that athletes in the public eye make careful representations of their sport’s commitment to minority groups.
On Thursday, February 9, NBA Brooklyn Nets player Cam Thomas made the perfect example of what not to do when he spoke to reporters about the players signed by the Nets. Thomas says, “We already had good-looking guys, no homo,” reports ESPN.
THAT’S SO GAY!
Battling homophobic sentiments has been at the forefront of LGBTQIA+ activism from the beginning. Removing casual anti-gay comments from the vernacular is a key component for achieving equity in all fields of society. Just when we thought we’d seen the last of comments like “that’s so gay” and “no homo”, Cam Thomas reminded us that high school hasn’t ended.
Putting his comment in context, reporter Jared Greenberg for TNT had asked Thomas what he thought of the new players traded into the Brooklyn Nets. One such new player, Spencer Dinwiddie had joked earlier in the week that the Nets may not have the best players but that they have the best-looking, reports ESPN.
In a statement released by the NBA, they report having fined Thomas USD40,000 for his comments. They say: “Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas has been fined $40,000 for using derogatory and disparaging language during a live television interview, it was announced Friday by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.”
Responding almost immediately, Thomas took to Twitter with an apology. “I want to apologize for the insensitive word I used in the post-game interview. I was excited about the win and was being playful. I definitely didn’t intend to offend anyone, but realize that I probably did. My apologies again. Much love,” he says.
DNA OPINION
Cam Thomas and LeBron James are the youngest players ever to score 44 points in consecutive games. Thomas’ star is on the rise in the NBA, despite this fine he will likely do well and continue to succeed. With that in mind, it would be beneficial for Thomas to remember that he has a major platform and his actions reflect the attitude of the sport.
