"You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known" - Tim Hardaway’s unapologetic admission sent shockwaves through the NBA world

In February 2007, a major moment in NBA history unfolded when former player John Amaechi openly came out as gay, making him the first ex-player who declared homosexual. Now, in a league known for its intense competitiveness, Amaechi’s announcement was a real curveball, one that sent shockwaves through the sports world, and it received a lot of mixed opinions, especially from NBA athletes.

Views against LGBTQ+

Back in 2007, the NBA wasn't exactly overflowing with public discussions about LGBTQ+ representation. While diversity in some areas was gaining traction, for many players and fans, coming out as gay was an entirely new thing altogether. Countless players responded with mixed feelings. Some were supportive, while others were not so much.

Former NBA player Tim Hardaway delivered a highly controversial statement, one of the most infamous reactions.

“You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known,” Hardaway said . “I don't like gay people, and I don't like to be around gay people. I am homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States.”

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Aftermath of the controversial comment

Not only does he despise gay people, but Hardaway said he doesn’t want anyone who identifies as gay to share a locker room with him. In his words, he would “distance” himself from any gay teammate.

After Amaechi came out publicly, the question was how many others were afraid to say who they were. However, those comments from Hardaway didn’t do much to help athletes who were LGBTQ+ represented.

His initial reaction to Amaechi’s coming out was not his best moment, and he later apologized for it . The backlash hit him hard, and he was criticized publicly.

He made a U-turn on his views, and in 2013, when Jason Collins, a 13-year NBA veteran, came out as the first active openly gay male player in any major American professional team sport, Hardaway Sr. was one of those who reached out to show support.

That same year, the five-time NBA All-Star also became the first to sign a petition to bring a proposed amendment to the Florida State Constitution to overturn Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage. This was a major 180-degree turn from his comments in 2007, showing how much his perspective had shifted over the years.

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