Welcome to Tim Hardaway's world

It is sad we have come to a point in our society that you cannot express how you feel whether or not you agree with it.This article is absolutely correct though.The P.C. police will be relentless in making sure Tim Hardaway pays for opening his mouth to reporters.I bet Tim thinks twice before doing any more interviews for anybody if he is smart.Tolerence is for people who share the P.C point of view.Lets wait and see how much tolerence is shown to Tim Hardaway.I am betting the lack of it will amaze most people.

I pretty much agree with Tim Hardaway. Homosexuality is wrong. I don't hate people who embraces that lifestyle, but I dislike it. God made man and WOman. He intended for them to be fruitful and multiply. You just cannot multiply the world with two people of the same sex.

Tim said what other wanted to say but were afraid.

What has happened to freedom of speech, uh?

Not sure i agree. But what he says does sound a lot like what the Pope has said, not sure what the difference is if the church says don't condone it or if some ex basketball player says it?

Roman responds: I wouldn't be surprised if the Catholic Church someday accepts homosexuality as something you're born with. And maybe even - drum roll - women will be allowed to be priests. It may take another 100 years, but it will happen. I remember as a young Catholic being taught babies who die before being baptized go to some place called limbo. Then they changed their minds and said they go to heaven. The Catholic Church adapts, but it might take a while.

Tim Hardaway really made a mistake trying to explain how he feels about homosexuals. He's obviously not skillful in politically correct non-speak. You can't say what you believe or feel about many things anymore. Most people feel that homosexuality is not only wrong but very wrong. He said that he did not want to be around a homosexual, especially in the lockeroom where everyone removes their clothes. Now if the guy next to you is sexually attracted to you and you're not attracted to him well maybe it would be good if you didn't have to be naked right in front of him. It must be pretty fun for a homosexual to be walking around a bunch of naked guys. It isn't fun for most heterosexual males to have some homosexual male getting off on them. It's unbelievable that we have gotten to this point. A sexual lifestyle that causes disease and early death is celebrated in parades, and our children are taught in our schools that it is good and natural, and everybody has to say woopie or they better keep their mouths shut. Wait until you get thrown in jail for saying it's wrong. Pretty pitiful. People better speak up now before you can't.

About freedom of speech -- The constitution guarantees protection from government action, not public reaction. Yeah, Tim's taking heat for what he said, but can take comfort in the fact he wasn't hauled off by the police.

About PC -- People seem to think this is a liberal invention. We've always had political correctness. Thirty years ago it was "politically correct" to say what Tim said or worse.

To start with David Stern was correct in banning Hardaway because it is a NBA event which could bring a cloud over a special event.

Now in terms of what Hardaway said was not only does he does not like homosexuals but they should not be in the United States or on the Earth. That goes beyond speaking your mind...it comes close to the Third Reich and the extermination of the Jewish population as well as the homosexual population in Europe. That would be the same as a white man saying that blacks should not be allowed in the United States or on the planet. Hardaway is extremely prejudiced against a certain part of the population. Why can't we just try to live as what God created us for and what Jesus tried to impress on us while he was on Earth...brothers to each other.

Yes, it is sad. If a man had said the things about black people that Hardaway said about gay people, he would have not only been banished...a whole section of the population would have come down hard on him. He sounds like white supremists used to sound about black people. Wake up people. Homosexuality is a natural thing. Just different!

One thing i want to say... You should respect gay people, but it's a different story when you feel violated because they shower with you when you are naked. Tim Hardaway doesn't deserve that. Tim Hardaway doesn't get to shower with the cheerleaders and no one would allow that, they would say it is simple immoral and wrong. Why do gay athletes get a free ride.

Roman responds: The issue of being naked around people who might find you sexually attractive is interesting. I hope one of my gay bloggers will address it. Shower stalls would be an easy fix, and players don't walk around the locker room naked. So it's not a big issue, but it's interesting.

Tim has the right to say what he said, and I have the right to criticize it as hateful, dangerous, and ignorant speech (despite being heterosexual and a fan of Tim Hardaway's on-court play).

Chris Broussard wrote an article on ESPN.com proclaiming that he agrees with Hardaway's belief that homosexuality is wrong, but he thinks that the narrow-minded way he said it (namely the use of the word "hate") is going to get people away from the larger issue (the idea that there are still a lot of NBA players incredibly nervous about the idea of a gay teammate).

Of course, Broussard also talks about his devout Christianity and mentions that he finds it "offensive and wrong" when people compare anti-homosexual remarks and anti-black remarks, mostly because race can't really be chosen, hidden, or changed.

Broussard's partially right. It can't. But religon can, and if a former NBA player had spoken about Jews, Muslims, or Christians the way Hardaway spoke about homosexuals, I believe that the outcry would be even more swift and even more brutal.

Free speech works both ways.

What has happened to freedom of speech, someone asked?
Ask Michael Richards or Trent Lott. If a white
player had said the same thing about African Americans, no one
would be talkin about free speech... Jesse Jackson and the NAACP would have him lynched.

this freedom of speech stuff is a joke! what if Tim was white, and said he hates black people and wishes they were still slaves?? is that gonna be appauded as free speech? were mel gibson and michael richards given that free pass??

what is wrong with you people??

YOu think being gay is wrong, so the whole world has to follow your inredibly arrogant lead? how about a reality check, people, there are millions and millions who believe that ALL people have an equal place in this world...join them

I don't think this is a matter of Freedom of Speech. It is a matter of offending specific people. I don't like this age of political correctness, but if you are a public figure, you need to be sensitive to the fact that you are being heard by a multitude of different people with different beliefs and lifestyles. Anyone in the Limelight needs to think of what they are going to say carefully before spewing out such ignorance. The word "hate" causes a lot of trouble no matter what the subject. He did apologize, but maybe just because of all the backlash he received. Speaking your mind is one thing, but when your words offend people, then expect some backlash.

Tim Hardaway : " I see Gay People"

Bill Vaughn and his ilk are so damn ignorant it's staggering. Gayness is not a lifestyle people embrace. People are born with one sexual orientation or another. Fortunately for Vaughn, most people come into the world as heterosexual. Tim Hardaway and other homophobes are actually insecure about their own sexuality. Usually when people go off about something, they are projecting their own fears and feelings onto others. If Hardaway was truly secure in himself and his own manhood, he wouldn't give a **** what other people do and wouldn't see it as threatening. So get a grip all you homophobes and shut up!

I agree too. Tim Hardaway should be free to say how he feels no matter what it is and nobody should be bullying him about it. If I were him, Hell would have to freeze over before I apologize for anything because I wouldn't care! FREEDOM OF SPEECH is supposedly liable in this country. It's the FIRST AMENDMENT on the CONSTITUTION- you can't miss it. Mr. Hardaway has the right to speak his mind; and I have the right to speak mine. Homosexuality is nothing other than a unfolding freak fest that wants it's way in this world. GOD and even the Devil knows that it sickening. God created a couple named ADAM and EVE. They're in the first chapter of the Bible- you can't miss that either. Even my 4 year old niece knows about Adam and Eve, and that's how it should be. Mr. Hardaway may have went a little overboard about saying that he hated gay people, but I'll be honest, he was rational on saying he'd keep his distant, because I'd do the same. But it's funny that anytime the truth comes to light on this issue of homosexuals, it's always being viewed as judging or hate. It's not hate and it's not judging, it's a fact and these folks need serious help. They need prayer and they need to get saved. It's not cute or attractive behavior it's nasty too! Society needs stop making homosexuality sound like it's OK because the bottom line is, it's not. It's raunchy and I want to throw up everytime I see them on TV or in person. Now I'm not a mother, (I'm only 20 years old) but I often take care of my three nieces who are all under the age of 5. I would not want them to be brougt up in this world thinking that they have to absorb all this gay and lesbian crap. It's gross and I wouldn't want my own kids to think that either. Hollywood is the main landmark for homosexuality to be shoved down people thoats, let alone the children.And to all of these dump, stupid celebrities who are making all of these hollow promises about themselves not getting married until the U.S makes gay marriage legal: they're going to be fiddling with a needle and thread- basically wasting their precious time because chances are..... it's NEVER going to happen and it shouldn't happen.

Freedom of speech guarantees that the government won't take action against someone. The NBA isn't the government. Private organizations aren't held to that standard. If the NBA doesn't want Tim Hardaway representing them, that's their right.

If a company hires someone to be a spokesman or otherwise represent it, doesn't it have the right to make sure that the spokesman isn't going to say something that will embarrass it or turn away customers? Why did the NBA hire Hardaway in the first place? Probably they believed he is an articulate man and is a going to represent them in a positive way. Doesn't the NBA have the right to say that someone does not represent them in the manner they want to be conneced with?

You seem to be the one demanding that people live up to your standards. You are saying that we are only here to have children, so homosexuals are by default bad people. So what are we to think about women or men who are unable to create a child? Are they bad too. Do you dislike them?

I have a question about the first post. What are the "PC Police"? Are they just people who disagree with you? I hear the term PC used but no explanation of who we are talking about. Nobody needs to be relentless in pursuit of Hardaway. He already said what he believed, so people can judge for themselves if he's a brave patriot or a paranoid jerk. If he is unable to find work as a spokesman, it's because he made statements that companies don't want to be associated with. No "PC Police" stopped him from giving his opinion on homosexuality. He spoke and now has to live with the consequences. They didn't kick him out of the NBA as a player, but as one of the faces of the NBA. Remember Karl Malone's statements when discussing if someone HIV positive should be allowed to play? Did he get forced out of basketball? He seemed to come through it without being destroyed. Or don't they have PC police in Utah?

Hello Mitty?

Nothing has happened to free speech. Hardaway wasn't arrested. The NBA just decided his views don't match theirs so they dismissed him from representing them. There is no free speech issue.

Also, I don't see what having children has to do with this issue. Do you feel there aren't enough children in the world? Do you try and have a child every time you have sex?

I agree with you that people ar afriad to express hateful speech for fear of the response and that Hardaway did express such speech. But so what? If a person goes on a racist tirade against white or black or asian people should we be thankful they were brave enough to express what many people want to say but are afraid?

Just like Hardaway, you have all the free speech rights you want to say whatever you want about others. Just like Hardaway, you also appear to be bigot. I'll use my free speech rights to cal you on it.

It was a speech smacking of intolerance and bigotry. Sounds like the same things whites used to say about blacks before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball.

First of all, thank you Mr. Modrowski for your enlightened point of view. Yours is a voice sorely missed and silenced, I believe, in the world of sports journalism.
Secondly, in reference to one of the writers above, NO!, ones opinion can not and should not be expressed in this society if it is bigoted and hurtful, if it is in support of INTOLERANCE. That is why, rightly so, we can not say the "N" word or other terms in our society without there being outrage! You can not say you HATE gay people anymore. You just can't. It has been well documented and proven that being gay is not a lifestyle choice. Being gay is an attribute that distinguishes you from other humans. Being gay is like being left handed or brown eyed. It is one of the AMAZING things that makes you PERFECTLY HUMAN! So, when someone says they HATE people for being gay, we as an educated and advanced society stand up and say NO!!!! THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE! We reject that speech and we reject YOU for saying it!! Instead we say we choose to advance humanity and our society and we will NOT reject anyone because they happen to LOVE differently!

wilson cruz

Fill in the "blank" of Tim Hardaway's statements with any other descriptive of a group of people, and most thinking S-T readers should be able to see the hate and venom in Hardaway's for-the-record comments:

"I hate _____ [Greeks ?, Hispanics ?, Mormans ?, women ?, the handicapped ?, the elderly ?, children ?... ]

... and they shouldn't be in the world or the United States"...

Anyone who does not see the violent repercussions of this kind of sentiment has no understanding of history.

Have they not heard of the damage done by racism, slavery, burning suspected "witches" to death), religious intolerance that lead to the Holocaust?

Do these people wilfully choose to be blind, ignorant and malevolent? If so, their opinion on this topic is worth about as much as the opinion annoyingly croaked out by a small-brained warty toad in the middle of the summmer's night.

Mitty:

He does have free speech. The government cannot arrest him for saying what he said.

But the court of public opinion (and the NBA)is also just as free to say they do not want to have associated with them someone that has his opinion on that subject.

Having said that, I do agree with Hardaway.

I think what Hardaway said was closedminded (I'd shy away from using the word "wrong") and the biggest issue I'd take is his use of the word "hate". Hate is a pretty strong word and it may even imply action to express that hate. That is what I take biggest issue with.

Had he said he was "uncomfortable" being with them or around them then I think the hetero public opinion, at least coming from males would be on his side.

Overall, I think people fail to understand the macho mentality of a male society, whether that be office workers guys out on the town for a drink, an after work drink - or even an athletic lockerroom which takes the normal guys night out and magnifies it times a hundred.

the use of the "f" word to describe homosexuals for e.g. carries most of its power when used against a straight male. What's the point of using an epithet to tell someone he is what he is? the reason the it carries such important in a straight male environment is that you are calling someone "not a man". To poke fun of someone's lack of masculinity (and being gay would be the ultimate example of such) is typical everyday banter among straight men at the office, and once again - multiply that a hundredfold in the locker room.

It doesn't matter what the corporation does, what the NBA does and what is and isn't "politically correct", the grass roots attitudes aren't going to change, and they especially will not change in a sports locker room - unless our future athletes are hair stylists, interior designers, and artsy fartsy types which obviously they'll never be.

so this is all in all a fairly dumb discussion.

Even had Hardaway not used the word hate, he'd be skewered in the PC world of public opinion, but IMHO the focus would be why he used the word "hate".

Hardaway comments turns back the clock some 60 years when MLB's Brooklyn Dodgers added Jackie Robinson & not long after Larry Doby with Indians.All the bigot racists spoke out against having a player of another race on team.Many racist ball players wouldn't even shake hands with Jackie or Larry back then.Comments by Hardaway sounded just like those bigots of the 40s & 50s just replacing the word gay with black .It's ironic a african american who knows what racism is to make such comments about gays.Yes we have freedom of speech .If a guy like Hardaway wants to speak out & be ignorant he has that right.Hate is truly a four letter word. I may not go along with the gay life style but believe in the rights of all .I lived through the years when equal rights was a struggle. In 2007 ,it's amazing we still have a ways to go.

I agree to some extent with Hardaway...if I'm a guy showering with a guy who likes other guys, that is creepy. Would you want your daughter showering with a heterosexual boy who they put on the girls' team? We're making such a big deal out of a no-name bball player pandering to sell books...and a big deal out of a has-been bball player who doesn't like gays. So - I mean this is Tim Hardaway for God sake.
Did someone make this breakthrough that gayness is not learned and that you are born that way? Who said that? Take it to the extreme...if everyone was gay, civilization would end in 80-90 years.
Finally...is it just me or is Tim Hardaway unbelieveably hard to understand???

Roman responds: If you think homosexuality is a choice, that means YOU can choose to be homosexual. I can't make that choice, therefore I believe you're born that way. Seems pretty simple to me.

Maybe in 5 generations Hardaways rich descendants will have to pay reparations to the descendants of the survivors of the "great persecution" of gays....Oops there wont be any descendants

Maybe in 5 generations Hardaways rich descendants will have to pay reparations to the descendants of the survivors of the "great persecution" of gays....Oops there wont be any descendants to pay to

First of all Homosexuality has been around since biblical times. The term sodomy came from the sins of the people of Sodom and Gamorha. The history of Greece is full of homosexual activities. So this is not something that has just cropped up in the past century. Over the course of my life I have know several gay men & women and none of them were 2 headed monsters, in fact they were more pleasant than some heterosexual people I know and not once did any of them infringe upon my heterosexuality. They respected my orientation and I did the same and saw them merely as another human being trying to make something of life. But once again we have an example of the kind of bigotry that still exists in this country. This is not a matter of being "PC" it is just another example of how far this country still has to go in erasing bigotry.

I've read the postings and agree with a lot of the points. Free speech rights, tolerance: good. Bigotry, intolerance, hate: bad. But some of the positions taken in support for one point or the other are not based on facts or not logical. The one about a homosexual is born that way is wrong. One might not have the proper balance of hormones and that leads to an inclination toward homosexuality. But the step into that behavior is something taken intentionally. Sexual abuse, bad parenting, peer pressure later and other causes influence individuals to take that step at some point, much to that persons detriment I might add. A person might have similar issues that can cause an inclination toward alchoholism. But each of these persons must fight against taking steps in their lives that lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual destruction and early death. A homosexual will die 15-20 years younger than heterosexuals. And those last 20 years will be painful and disease ridden. And why isn't their spread of contagious diseases a concern? Why aren't these points out there screaming at everyone that these people need help not just tolerance. When a person gets their sexual pleasure playing in the human body's sewer, that person will suffer and die relatively young. Throughout history homosexuality has been around. It has been destructive of person's lives and past culture's live's. Look at what it is doing to our kids and culture. The Bible explains it if anyone cares to read about it.

The difference between this being an issue for the "PC police," or evidence of media overreaction, is that homosexuals are still dragged behind cars and lynched. Actively inciting intolerance towards a minority still in danger of sudden, merciless killings is irresponsible and unacceptable.

It always surprises me when historically oppressed minorities line up to oppress others.

"this freedom of speech stuff is a joke! what if Tim was white, and said he hates black people and wishes they were still slaves?? is that gonna be appauded as free speech? were mel gibson and michael richards given that free pass??"

A white player would not made this comment because he would know that the majority of NBA players are black and he wouldn't want to be ostracized from his teammates.

Micheal Richards and Mel Gibson WERE given a free pass. Gibson just released a new movie in fact, and the sales of the Seinfeld Season 5 DVD went up after the Kramergate scandall. Neither of them are in prison, neither of them were tortured. These petty reverse-discriminitation claims have almost no basis in reality. Sure, many Americans disagree with their comments, but guess what, this is a free country. We are free to disagree.

Every time I hear the term "politically correct" I know an opinionated bigot is abusing the term in a misguided effort to obtain a license to hate, belittle or degrade a person or a group. Opposing political correctness will never justify bigotry.

How dare the NBA outcast Tim for speech his mind. Yes his presentation may have been a bit harsh, however he's right. If your gay come out of the closet, he should have the option of showering and changing his close in front of a gay male. Now his career has taken a hit because of a no name ex-NBA player who wants to sale books.

To compare Tim Hardaway's comments to a racial bigot is out of line. Just the fact that a lot of homosexual people are "in" the closet, and usually don't come out until they are ready tends to lead to a person chooses to be gay.(I must confess I am not God, so I do not know), but I do know that blacks are not "in" the black closet, and only come out when they feel their families can take it. We cannot hide our blackness. I also know other nationalities have the same problem(not the exceptions, just the general rule.)

His comments were stupid(and judgemental). To say you hate someone because of their sexual orientation is wrong(only God can Judge.)

But, the Bible does preach that homosexuality is a sin, and don't say the Bible preaches for slavery, because Jesus said "You have only one Master,...", and he didn't say it was the slave master. Just because people owned slaves, does not mean it is right.

And, most importantly, Hardaway has the freedom to say whatever he wants, and we have the freedom to comment however we want, but it boils down to: when we die, and we all die, our opinions don't matter anymore, and who or whatever we worship is in control of our life from that point on. You only have one shot, so make it good.

show me a person who can go to a maternity ward and point out a gay or straight child....and i will follow him or her...but even i can go to the same ward and point out a black,white,or hispanic child

I too know a few gay individuals, who seem to be pleasant people.
They, however, know that I think the lifestyle is condemned in God's Word. As for them & other sins, including mine, we are answerable to God.
I think Tim's use of the word "hate" was out of line. I dislike being around smokers but certainly do not hate them.
I do not feel Mr. Amaechi is a hero, in any sense of the word. If he came out without having a book to profit from I might have a little more respect for him.

btw I forgot to add that I essentially do believe that homosexuality is something you're born with. I don't consider it a "disease", an "immoral lifestyle", etc. I worked at various nightclubs around Chicago for years that always had a very significant gay percentage of clientele. I'm not uncomfortable around gays, I've even been hit on by a couple (I considered that a compliment, btw).

However, all this pretty much changes when in a locker room.

which brings the point if someone can't help be the way he is, (was born that way) why shouldn't he openly participate in all aspects of life, such as being openly gay in a professional sport.

the answer essentially is "because life isn't fair, it sucks and then you die" (as the old proverb goes)

this doesn't only apply to homosexual athletes. Lots of other "injustices" in life.

Hardaway should be skewered for his choice of words. The use of the word "hate" is fairly indefensible. But the larger point, which the PC is trying to hoist upon us, which is that everyone should holds hands (preferably naked) and sing Kummbaya in the locker room.

Good luck. Will never happen.

Come on everytime somebody says something anymore people take offense to it. Come on people stop all your sensitivity poor me attitude. Grab a piece of the REAL WORLD that all of us have a right to speak and feel the way we do...as long as no violence is used.Lighten up, only words, as the middle finger is a symbol, so what, did it hurt your little feelings..

I have read in the Bible, as millions of other people, (including Gays & Homosexuals) that God created Adam & Eve, not Adam & Steve. I personally do not feel that men with men and women with women is right. But I am not the judge of them and will not criticize any person's beliefs or lifestyle. By Tim Hardaway being in the public, an NBA veteran and a representative for the national Basketball Association, he should have had more tact in dealing with this issue and kept his mouth shut. Mr. hardaway acted as a rookie in this situation.............

Free speech is not an issue. There is no law in Congress or any state assembly lining up to take away Tim Hardaway's right to free speech. If he and other players are so afraid of spouting the hatred in their heart, maybe they should take a look at why people are NOW so against that hatred. It was not too long ago that people would support such comments, even in public, and yet now the national media and the NBA that had employed Hardaway, are in full disagreement and disdain of his comments. Maybe Timmy should take some time and actually think as to why that is.

Using the idea of political correctness to deflect conversations away from meaningful discussions of hatred and bigotry is both illogical and quite petty. Calling someone who says bigoted comments a bigot is not critical nor flippant, but precise and accurate.

first of when comparing homosexuuality to being black ,homosexual is not a race,so lets throw that argument out of the window.As for Tim Hardaways comment's the only problem i have with them is his use of the word hate towards any individual or individuals he does not know,but to hate the act or sight of homosexual activity I have no problem with .As the father of two young men and a daughter it scares the hell of me 2 think that that they could be impressioned 2 think that this behavior is just normal!sorry but i know alot of parents who are just as scared as i am who breathe a big sigh of releif when their children start showing signs of heterosexuality.if society was so cool with the whole gay thing why is their such a big fuss about gay marriages and snicker commercials !i am sure alot of people said they hated that commercial! So clearly Tim Hardaway's opinion is shared by many!

could someone please explain to me, how my race is equated with someone's sexual preference? are you telling me, that because I am black it makes me a sexual being? can someone please tell me, how in the world a man laying with another man or a woman laying with another woman is the same as being black, broken, and beaten; because, you saw the obvious color of my skin? Are you telling me, that every time someone see's me, they see me as a sexual being, and not a human being? If this is all true, then I understand why Jackie Robinson is being used, racism is being used, Jewish hatred is being used. They were all being persecuted because of their sexual orientation. I am insulted everytime someone says; that being otherwise sexually oriented, is just like being black. There is not a day in my life, where I will ever have the opportunity to decide if I want to be black today. I will never be able to lay with someone, and say; I am not black today.

I really do not like it when Gays compare their struggle to that of black people. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE between blacks and other HUMANS is skin pigmentation. ONE cannot hide from being black. And Gay people who are talking big about straight people - get this one fact correct - Straight people don't need you to have children, you need them! This is NOT the same argument as racism! John Amechie is a COWARD! He got undressed with those men without their consent. He forced them into a situation that some of them may not have been comfortable with. Those NBA players were wronged and we're comforting him for it. I liken what he did to a heterosexual man being on a team with women, just like the movie Jawana-man. Tim used the word hate, but we know Tim is a BASKETBALL player. Racism is not just hatred, but actually doing something to hurt or deny another of another race, creed, religion. I respect Gays out of the closet because they at least give us choices. I respect them as human beings, but just like ANYONE else - don't make YOUR problem MY problem. If I do nothing or say nothing to you except what I say to EVERYONE one else, LEAVE ME ALONE. LEAVE AMERICA ALONE. Be Gay and stop trying to be straight/Gay. You want Gay with Straight benefits and that is not fair. And what you get, get it on your own merrits, not on the backs of others who have been WRONGED for REAL.

Its funny how so may people in this country want to wave afalg and talk about freedom and then they feel it is write to judge people and in fact condem people for their lifetsyle/ sexual orientaion based on religeous beliefs they hold. OK LEYS GET SOMETHING PERFECTLY CLEAR THE PEOPLE WHO FISRT CAME TO THIS COUNTRY AND LANDED ON PLYMOUTH ROCK WERE FEEING PERSECUTION. They were extremley religeous people but because of them and those that followed them to this land the seperation of church and state was established when this mondern democracy was founded by who? Our founding fathers thats who. Further more the pursuit of happiness was also in this much trotted upon document. Sure there was alot of refining to do like getting rid of slavery etc. Look how far we have come!

In the meantime as a thinking citizen I treasure freedom of speach. With that right comes a price and a responsibility. If you malighn others and in fact say they shouldnt even exist in this country then you had better deal with the backlash from the so called politically correct people or maybe thats just other citizens exersizing thier right to free speach. hrmmm interesting concept. You see if you disagree with someone who says he hates you and says you shouldnt esxist in this world or country I think you should have the right and be compelled to voice your dissagreement.
If we dont make a point of countering people who make such statements dont we run the risk of condoneing behavior that takes as out of existience sucjh as the kind of violence that took the life of a twenty one year old 5 foot4 125 pound boy named mathew Sheaperd.

And one More thing you bet this dude wont be getting endorsent deals. Would you expect him too if he said "i hate jews"? For everyones information in this capitolistic society the gay population makes up a huge portion of the diasposable income holder sho fuel the economy and in fact many of them also make up the designers artists bankers and movers and shaker who clothe your rich basketball playing asses in great looking suits etc, decorate your houses, act as your lawers and do your plumbing and give you your bank loans. Look around fools we are everywhere. If you all dont like it move to a place called Stalingrad circa 1950 where human rights did not exist and you could dream of pursuing happiness on 8 hour bread line.

John Rocker said a lot of negative comments against gays and minorities and if he could still throw a baseball he would still have a team. I recently saw him in a magazine with a gorgeous minority who everyone speculates is his woman. Maybe Tim will eventually come out like Rocker did in favor of what he hated on before. As a black man I do think it is wrong to HATE anyone. If people were more tolerant of minorities maybe a lot of the crap that I and others have gone through would not happen anymore. Who knows what's behind that macho B.S.:maybe a scared homosexual afraid that it's gonna get out. Hardaway stopped being relavent once he stopped scoring with a basketball. Live and let live.

As the father of a gay son, I will tell you that the anonymous post of Feb. 17, 10:51 a.m. is as ignorant and wrong as was the jock's stupid remarks. One does not "choose" to be homosexual just as one does not choose to be heterosexual. My son did not "intentionally" become homosexual. Sexual orientation is determined during pregnancy and before birth, whether there's a genetic component or a female hormonal component is not yet certain but it is certain it is one or the other. Homosexuality is, in reality, normal among all animal species, animal scientists will tell you, a certain fairly consistent percentage of all species will be sexually attracted to their same gender. If homosexuals do die an early disease-ridden death it is not because of their orientation but because of the ignorance and bigotry of people like the anonymous writer. And homosexuals spread far fewer "contagious" diseases (I assume the writer means STDs) than do heterosexuals promiscuously hooking up in singles bars or patronizing prostitutes. The writer apparently believes the nonsense that is spread by some right-wing religious bigots. Get a real education on this subject.

Tim Hardaway is a bigot! All this talk about freedom of speech. When will people learn that with any form of freedom comes responsibility. He can say whatever he wants, and yes not be thrashed for saying it. But he must be responsible, and take responsibility for his actions.
I don't accept his apology because hate, like love, is a strong emotion. When you spue such hatred and venom, it can release a backlash of pain and violence. How many lives have been lost, or threatened because of this "hatred".
What gets me is that there are a lot of gay people who enjoy sports and other leisure activities. I'll bet our "gay dollars" would shut them all up if we boycotted their games, concerts and television shows. As long as they are reaping those multi-million dollar endorsements (many of which not only straight, but gay people support) , they are sitting pretty. But if gay people closed their checkbooks, they would be singing a different tune.
Ignorance, in any form, is ignorance, and must not be tolerated.

There are several points about this article that matter. First, hatred of people because they are different is wrong - particularly if their differences are not harmful to others. Second, people have the right to disagree - even if that disagreement is ignorant or insulting to others. The KKK and the American Nazi Party has the same right to free speech, just like others do - but they should not promote hatred or violence towards others. And lastly, please stop spreading the LIE that homosexuals are BORN this way - this is not true. As painful as it is to the parents of some gays - there is no scientific proof that humans are born gay. That was a lie promulgated through the liberal media to neutralize homosexuality as a perverted expression of sexuality. Gays are not evil or anything like that. But from a biological stand point, the notion of being born "gay" is insane. It makes no sense to be born with reproductive/sexual organs that have no place to "fit" with others of like gender. The parts don't fit---It just doesn't make sense. It's a choice, always has been, always will be. And people have the right to express their difference of opinion with the choice. They don't have the right to hate or be violent or disrespectful to those who choose it - but they do not have to agree with the choice.

Tim Haradaway is my new favorite retired player. PC is stupid, i bet 70% of the nation feels like he does, its just nobody goes out and says it like that. Bravo Tim.

I will admit that I haven't read most of the previous posts on this topic. I'm not one to fall into the religious, morality debate. But I want to ask all of you out there a question. Can anybody tell me what Tim Hardaway was doing four weeks ago? UH, UH, UM, NO. Nobody gave a crap. He was probably living in his million dollar mansion and hating gays, and nobody knew. So nobody cared. Now all of the sudden, People really care? Come On, This is crap. I hate a couple people myself. Namely, the people out there who think this is some BIG, Ground breaking story. FYI, media, there's another big story going on over in the Desert.

I suppose the Hardaway bashers think he should go into "counseling" like the black Grey's Anatomy actor Isaiah Washington. What a crock. Having opinions about homosexuality does not make a person "sick," and does not require entering a counseling program. Frankly, I found it refreshing what he said. I also think John Amaechi, a complete NBA cipher, ought to cut Hardaway a check for helping promote his lame-o book about which no one was going to care.

I'm more shocked that he (Hardaway) hasn't been thrown under the bus like that white pitcher Rocker was. He was basically run out of town. If a black man says something, we defend him with freedom of speech ??? Were not Rockers comments freedom of speech too ? As poorly chosen words or words of hate, people DO have rights, but where is compassion for fellow human beings? Where is equality? Freedom of speech is for everyone, not just black people.
Hateful moronic speech from both of these people, and others, just makes them look bad.
It has no effect on me or how I think! You all have missed the boat, Bigtime!
Mike

I do not hate Gay's I hate their lifestyle and the agenda that the gay community has for pushing their lifestyle as if it is acceptable.

Homosexuality is nothing new. It has been around forever. What is new in our society is this idea and agenda that wants to say that it is not a choice and that people are born that way.

I have looked at the evidence or lack there of and and I do not believe that they are. I see no evidence whatsoever to support that concept.

What I do see in looking at homosexuality and the history of any society that took the steps to normalize this deviant behavior is that all of them went into decline at or around the time this was becoming acceptable behavior. To be certain there were other issues that contributed to their decay, Homosexuality was definately one of the main factors.

Let's be honest being Homosexual means a significantly shorter life.

Let's also admit where do we draw the line. If it is totally acceptable to be born with a predisposition to the same sex, then it could be(as argued already by some child molestors) argued that a man is predisposed to sex with a child.

Once you normalize one deviant behavior you then move towards the next.

If you are Gay good for you. You have every right to be Gay. But I do not have to agree with you. I do not have to say that I want to have Gay men in the locker room with me.

I do not want our schools teaching my children that it is ok.

If this makes me intolerant then so be it. I do not have to tolerate a lot of things.

I am intolerant when it comes to Drugs, Homosexuality, Pedophelia, crime. We as a society have stated before that we are intolerant towards all kinds of behavior. We say that you cannot legislate morality. We attempt to do that with all kinds of laws. We say it is wrong to steal, Kill, even jaywalk.

I am not suggesting that we make homosexuality a crime. You again have the right to practice your preference. Let's just not elevate them to rock star status. Let's not act like there are consequences for their choice.

Tim used poor judgement in his choice of words. He should have said I do not agree with homosexuality. It makes me extremely uncomfortable that another man could be in my locker room looking at me in a sexual way while I am getting dressed. He could have said I do not wish to associate myself with that kind of behavior.

But in today's environment even that would have gotten him into trouble.

In the future we may very well normalize all kinds of behaviors we very well may see certain religious organizations (and we already are. like the Gay bishop in the episcopal church.) say it is ok. That does not mean that it is. We look back on society and think that we are more enlightened, more civilized. Are we?

Becoming more permisive with some behaviors in my opinion is not progress it is decline, decay.

Amazing. I check out a sports blog and find elements of the Taliban lurking about. Someone needs to get the army back from Afghanistan pronto. A couple points:

Born with – it’s really hard for me to comment because, you know, I can only speak from the personal experience of actually being gay. Something that I understood made me different at about age 9 when I fantasized about Batman and Robin, and my friends were fixated with Wonder Woman. Clearly many of the posters here have led major biological research projects, or at least read about them in Focus on the Family, so who am I to disagree. Plus, why wouldn’t I choose this? I get fewer social protections, I get sanctimonious, bigoted Christians telling me I’m a diseased ridden mistake on my way to hell, and I get insecure straight men obsessed with locker room etiquette. Whoo-hoo, where do I sign up!

Speaking of which, have any of you straight guys actually caught a glimpse of your naked bodies in the locker room mirror? I didn’t think so. Well here’s a little newsflash: we wouldn’t touch you with a 10-foot pole, so to speak. Do you think that your beer bellies, hairy backs, and 20 buck haircuts are hot? Do you honestly think that someone who looks like me would be interested in someone who looks like you? (Yes, I work out almost every day as required under Section 1 of the I Choose to be Gay contract – you’ll see a copy when your son signs one.) Do my team a favor and get over yourselves.

Finally, regarding the comment that the world would end if only gay people were left: what’s the issue? It would be a fabulous party right to the end and everyone would be dressed well. And frankly, if some of the people on this list and their little storm trooper offspring are truly the future, then shutting this thing down in 80-90 years is good with me. Ok, I’d love to keep chatting, but I need to go to the park and stare at small children, go to the gym and ogle straight men, and go to hell with my sick and perverted lifestyle choice. Oh, and read about how the Cubs are going to fit Soriano into center.

Tim Hardaway help to start a non-profit organization that receives support from community leaders, churches, and sponsors. Each year they host a series of events including a celebrity basketball game. Did he hate gay people enough to say he will not take money from gays? I bet not.

Why do people think that just because a man admits he is a homosexual he will lust after all of his teammates? I mean get real. How many of you go out in your everyday life lusting after all of your co-workers? I'm sure the percentages are a lot lower than a lot of the homophobics out there think. I work in a predominantly male industry and there are so very few I would even give a second look. I think it is safe to say that most people who are homosexual do not lust after non-homosexuals, hoping to get them to "change their minds." Tolerance is an issue that needs some serious attention. Our country is not as far-advanced as I would like to think in terms of how we treat fellow countrymen (and countrywomen to be PC).

Roman responds: How many of our coworkers do we see naked, as in a locker-room situation? I'm waiting for someone to explain why it shouldn't be awkward for heterosexuals to shower and get dressed in the same area with homosexual teammates, or vice versa? Possible attraction isn't the reason.

You can always tell when a hypocrite liberal opens their mouth, it's usually to hurl personal insults and affronts at anyone who has a different opinion of theirs. Thus when Tim Hardaway said he hates homo's, the PC world AND this moderator took the opposite tack, even bashing the Catholic Church and the Pope for NOT allowing women priests! Ridiculous! I agree with most posters who say a man is just as free to BASH HOMOSEXUALITY as he is to BASH BUSH, or Conservatives, or the WAR ON ISLAMO PIG NAZI TERRORISTS bent on destroying all "infidels"(us!)...But liberals are the real hypocrites, always hiding behind "victimhood", begging for peace and tolerance whenever its them, but NEVER offering much in the way of peace or tolerance when someone says or does something that they frown upon...The bottom line is, like another poster said, that it's simple science:If all of God's creatures practiced same-sex intercourse(ouch) then pretty soon the species would be EXTINCT! Is there ANY doubting that scientific conclusion? Most of us dont want to be extinct! So homo's do NOT speak for me, whether male or female, I think its a sin and an abomibation of nature, and I thoroughly DISLIKE them too. Does that make me bad? evil? offensive? I dont think so, but liberals who disagree will NEVER express any OPPOSING viewpoint, just personal attacks, like the ones here on Tim Hardaway.Is it ok to hate? As in Homo's, Democrats, liberals, the NY Times, the 19 arabs who killed 3000 of us? Is it ok to Hate some people? Is THAT the issue here? Or is it the sin of homosexuality? The two seem to have gotten mixed up in the blender, and I think more threads discussing these very issues are necessary before Civil War II breaks out in this country thanks to the Mainstream drive-by ENEMEDIA!!!They're the perpetrators of most social crappy garbage that is ruining our culture! Thank you! Buon Giorno!

Roman responds: I was going to make a counterargument, but then I kept reading and decided it wasn't necessary.

He said it and if he's a man he should stick with it. This is a free country and if he hates gays so be it. I don't hate gays but don't really care to be around them or want anything to do with them. So what if he hates gays? That's his right not to like someone. Would you rather have two faced people keeping opinions to themselves or people who speak out about things that don't really harm anyone? If gays can't take what ONE person says that's too bad. I'm so sick of all this crap about people insulting gay people. Get on with your lives... IT'S NOT A BIG DEAL

Homosexuality is one of the touchiest issues we have in the U.S.A. This blog seems to prove that point big time!
I think that Hardaway is entitled to his own opinion, but I also think that if you are going to come out so strongly with your views like he did...you shouldn't try and run away from them a day or two later once you realize that your opinion is going to end up costing you some money and NBA gigs. That is BS. He should at least have the balls to stand by his original comments and let the chips fall where they may.

I think that the bottom line is this...homosexuality is not behavior that is going to disappear. Proof of whether it is a choice or not is inconclusive on either side of the argument.....if it wasn't it wouldn't be an issue. It has been around since the beginning of man (look at the Roman empire for one example). No one has to agree with it, just like no one has to not agree with it. If you are against it for religious reasons, that is fine by me. However, before we judge others, especially in the harsh manner ('gays shouldn't exist in the world') Tim Hardaway did, we better first realize our own flaws before we start making statements like that about groups of people.

"As the father of a gay son, I will tell you that the anonymous post of Feb. 17, 10:51 a.m. is as ignorant and wrong as was the jock's stupid remarks. One does not "choose" to be homosexual just as one does not choose to be heterosexual"

Joe...if my son were gay, I'd go with this explanation as well. There are as many explanations for homosexuality as there are scientists.

This is a sports blog, the only recent sports story I know about in the desert is the NBA All Star game.

I agree that this story is getting much more publicity than it needs. Tim Hardaway's views on homosexuals and homosexuality are just plain ignorant. When I was a child, I too felt that way about the gay lifestyle. As an adult, I don't agree with the lifestyle, but I certainly respect a persons right to choose with whom they prefer to have sex with.

To hate someone because they are gay with no other reason is childish. I think Hardaway would have been ok with what he said if he had left out "I hate gay people." Many people support his view about homosexuality, but I don't think that many would say that they hate gay people with no other reason.

Also, why the apology? When you say something so demeaning and its obvious that it comes from the heart, don't apologize, it makes you look even more stupid. As much as Michael Richards apologized for his rant using the N word over and over again, I can't accept it because he was so adamant about what he was saying. The same applies here.

Funny thing is even without political correctness there is such thing as un-gentlemanly or rude.

We have railed so far toward and away from political correctness we forgot the lessons taught by our parents and their parents of politeness.

We can air our views on a subject with class.

Whether peolple agree or disagree with homosexuality, or any other subject is not the real point. We as people must start being respectful of each other and remember those "good old fashioned" manners.

BP - what story in the desert? There are only 2 stories that the media wants to cover..this one and the story about the fat, blonde bimbo who just died.

WHY??? Because the media caters to the 60% of the population who aren't real bright and have very little life. Thankfully these 60% exist to make me look that much smarter, better educated, and better off financially!

I believe Tim Hardaway was right and wrong. I believe homosexuality is wrong and Hardaway had the right to express his feelings but hating people is wrong too. I also believe most homosexuals are born that way, but that doesn't make it right. The Bible clearly teaches we are all born with different types of sins/problems within us. Homosexuality is just one of them. The answer to a person who was born homosexual is easy: become born again.

Homosexuality is not a race of people, for there are white, black,hispanic, chinese, japanese etc.homosexuals in this world. So Tim is not a racist, he just voiced his opinion extremely strong. Again this has nothing to do with racism. Only racists will see it that Tim is a bigot. Homosexuality is a killer, homosexuals are hurting and needs love and prayer (deliverance) only Jesus and His followers can give. So fellow Christians, stop judging and show some love, and get on them knees Amen!

Roman responds: You spend the first half of your message judging homosexuals, and then you talk about not judging homophobes.

As much as I feel that T.M. was wrong ,I'm pretty sure that a lot of people who felt the same way and told him to keep his head up. I'm also pretty sure that some person still in the closet also told him that he wasn't wrong and to keep his head up. It's sad that people have to live a lie to have a life. Not everyone turned their back on someone who spoke out of turn especially when they were allowed to speak out against other races,sexes or creeds. Even Capt. America used that four letter word for Japanese people in comic books in the 60s because it wasn't wrong then. Over time we will all realize that we were wrong about something. That's why they say that youth is wasted on the young.

I'm not a gay hater, nor am I a religious idiot/zealot. I'm also not sure how I'd feel about a known gay guy in the lockerroom. Probably not that comfortable, but then I wasn't super comfortable when I went to some gay cruising bars with some gay friends either (I'm a curious fellow by nature) Yet, I survived, and I'm sure a hetero locker room can survive a gay or two.

the biggest question might be the comraderie of the guys. In case you didn't know, one of the ways straight guys bond is to play jokes/banter with each other. A lot of that involves questioning their sexuality/sexual preference/masculinity. I don't do this to insult gays when I do it, I do it in order to f!@# with the straight guy. In an athletic environment this is multiplied many times over. I'm not saying it's "right" (and neither would I say it's "wrong") but that is how it is, and it's not going to change anytime soon.

what's funny is noone had heard of Mr. Ameche before he came out and I completely guffaw when some PC elements refer to him as a "hero".

Hardaways was dead wrong with his use of the word "hate" and should be made to pay for using that word. It's too strong a word to be ignored, but if it weren't for use of that word, I wouldn't take much issue with him even if I disagreed with him (which I do, btw)

I've always thought the "don't tell/don't ask" policies were a great great idea in such male macho (for lack of better word) environments. Why can't people just stick to that?

We are all evolved to hate and be hated by everyone outside a small group. However, we best rise above our nature and behave nicely.

I'm a heterosexual female,mother, friend and nurse. I personally agree with the idea that if Hardaway made such a strong statement about his beliefs, he should have the balls to stick with his statement! I personally have nothing against a gay person any place and if one of my grandchildren were gay, I'm sure I would love them as much as I do my heterosexual grandchildren. The thing is homosexuality was listed as a mental disorder for many years. I still believe that it is a mental disorder. I think people should not hate them, but try to help them with love and tolerance. I had a very good friend that was gay and before he left this life he confided in me that that was the most horrible life style any human being could have, he wouldn't wish that on his worst enemy and please try to help others stray away from that lifestyle stating it was a curse! I sincerely believe that gay people are sick and need healing as well as understanding

Tim Hardaway is a business partner of mine. He endorsed one of my products for free as a favor. Not because I am one of his boys but because he is a good person, a nice and caring person, a family man and devoted husband. His views are strong, even extreme and in a private business context they were wholly inappropriate. His apology was also hollow but it was extemporaneous and ill advised.

I know him and by some of the comments here in this blog there are some people here I would want to know less if at all. I have already been asked if I will remove his endorsement because of this controversy. Absolutely not. I will stand by Tim and if he asks me I will tell him that viewpoints that are considered vitriolic should be held close to the vest especially when your business concerns involve public relations. I would not counsel him on his homophobia even if I don’t agree with it. If he were to read some of the polar opinions in this blog perhaps he might be enlightened or influenced and soften his approach just a bit and migrate toward a middle ground. Progress?

Some of the assumptions and extrapolations made in this blog are in the very same unrestrained and impassioned vein as Tim's if not worse. He'll pay greatly emotionally and financially for his MISTAKE. His narrow stance notwithstanding, some of the people commenting here scare me far more than Tim, that's for sure.

What's interesting is that the same people screaming about Hardaway's "intolerance", are "intolerant" over his feelings. What he said and the way he said it was not the smartest choice. But in a world of distortions, lies, bad information, some honesty is refreshing. Right or wrong the guy said how he feels.

He will suffer financially big time. As far I know, it is not illegal to hate someone, or say stupid things. Are we elevating certain people to prefferred statuses?

As for the NBA, what a crock! Stern is concerned about the image? From Jordan to Kobe you can go down the list of affairs, children out of wedlock, you name it. What about all the fighting ? It's like watching street basketball most of the time. Stern is a coward.

Mr. Hardaway certainly has the right to his opinions. And, from the response to this question, it’s easy to see how many of you agree. However, you are not speaking as members of sports
organizations, you are speaking for yourselves. Since the NBA is actually taking a stand against this kind of bigotry, I believe that justice has been served. However, to all of you who use the Bible as the basis for your intolerance and hatred, let me
remind you that the Bible is not a universal tool in deciding right and wrong. But, for sake of argument, let’s say that the Bible is the terminal guide to right and wrong.
Where is homosexuality condemned in the Bible? Where?
One must turn to obscure passages to interpret the Bible’s message. What about the ten commandments? If homosexuality were so reprehensible to God, why wouldn’t it show up in the top ten? And for you crusaders of right and wrong in the name of the Bible, why aren’t you out there skewering all the adulterers and thieves out there? Since these are CLEARLY defined as wrong in the Bible, why don’t these sins matter to you?
It’s simple: because you do these things yourselves and you find it convenient to justify them, and to accept them. I’m sure that those of you who so easily condemn homosexuality don’t realize that you know people who are gay. You either have sons or daughters who you’ve driven into secrecy, or sisters or brothers who won’t reveal themselves to you. You live in ignorance and
fear of the unknown. If it’s true that homosexuals have shorter lives, it’s most likely because of the atmosphere of intolerance in which they live. Attitudes perpetuated by people like you.
You use those attitudes to further label gay people as pedophiles, or condemn the kind of sex you imagine them to have. It’s preposterous! Gay people aren’t pedophiles! Pedophiles are pedophiles,and they are criminals! Their acts are committed against the will. Gay people are attracted to each other, not to heterosexuals, they have long, committed relationships... just like heterosexuals.
And they have existed since the dawn of the human race... if it was a choice, do you really think so many would “choose” it? Would you? Who would want to willingly subject themselves to this? Here is the point: although Tim is expressing a view widely held, but less often expressed, he has shed light on this dark corner. Gay rights are civil rights. Just as when the bigots openly questioned the hygiene and morality of negroes, ignorant and intolerant straight people attack gays as morally loose criminals. If you had asked many white people their attitudes about blacks in the sixties, they would have not wanted to live next to one, or associate with one, or have their children attend school with one. Now, those attitudes are not tolerated. One day it will be the same for gay people, and you will be looked back on with shame and laughter.

Hardaway has a right to say whatever he wants, but with that right there is also accountability... He had his opinion and is should voice them, but they came off as bigoted and hateful ("I hate gays"... nice one timmy). And the profession that he is in, you can't come off like that.

What Hardaway basically did is hurt himself financially, from endorsement deals and probably from future positions as a baskteball analyst or broadcaster... Hardaway had "skillz" and a killer crossover during his playing days, but he sure doesn't have public relations "skillz"... I mean, lebatard gave him an out, but he still didn't take it! What he needs more than diversity training is how to handle his opinions in public.... In the radio interview with lebatard, the "gay" question was his finally question to Hardaway... sure bet timmy wished he never answered that one!

I personally know Tim Bug and he is a very kind and loving person to everyone I have witnessed him come across. We had a neighbor that was openly gay on the block we grew up on and he was respected by everyone on the block, including Tim. just because you say you dont like a certain group of people does not mean that you are going to jump out of a bag and start bashing in peoples heads or just acting a fool when you see a gay person on the streets ....All of this mess is just getting blown way out of porportion

I find it amusing that there are all these comments about how African-Americans cannot hide their race therefore there is comparison to homosexuality. Look at your history folks. For a very long time people of color "passed" as white. They hid their racial background to avoid racism directed at them. Just because we talk about it openly anymore doesn't mean it's not still happening - for example, people from Central and South American pretending that they have no native blood in them, but only European.

Has no one realized that not all NBA players have come out against Jon Amaechi? Grant Hill's publicized comments were quite supportive of the idea of homosexuals in the NBA. Doc Rivers has been pretty supportive too. It's irrelevant that Ameachi wasn't a star. It's also irrelevant that Hardaway is retired.

It's also ridiculous to assume that just because someone is homosexual they are going to find every man sexually attractive and therefore wouldn't feel comfortable with a gay man in the locker room. That's a huge conceit by these men and maybe their egos need some shrinkage.

"Freedom of speech." That is a weak argument thrown out by people who disagree with them when they say something controversial or they feel like theirs is the only "correct" opinion and they're upset that people have opinions other than theirs. I don't recall hearing about government officials knocking on Hardaway's door at night to come take him away...?

Of course Hardaway had the freedom to say what he said. But you know what? With freedom of speech comes freedom of criticism. If you're not ready to handle that, you shouldn't speak. And if you didn't already know that before you spoke... too bad.

The amount of bigotry in these comments are staggering. Every time I think we've progressed as a society, I come onto the internet and have all my illusions ripped from under me. It's clear that homophobia is still alive and well in America, and that it will be many more years until that irrational hatred is quelled.

As many posters have already mentioned, the Hardaway issue is not a freedom of speech issue. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from critisism. That's the lovely thing about America. You have the right to be as ignorant and as bigoted as you can be, but people have the right to call you exactly what you are: an ignorant bigot.

The "showering" argument is so juvenile it hurts me. As if all of us men have never been in a locker room with a gay man. First, there's this automatic assumption that a gay man is automatically sexually aroused by the mere presence of naked men, which is false on its face. The world isn't like "Porky's". The primary function of the locker room is for showering and getting dressed, and to think that gay people treat it as some sort of perverted sex spa is downright delusional.

Equally as amusing is the argument that we cannot compare racism to homophobia becuase black people can't hide the fact that they are black. How does gay people being able to stay in the closet make the level of vitriolic hatred leveled against them any less irrational and bigoted? Tell me, becuase I want to know.

The anti-gay posters here are right about one thing though: gay people do have an agenda. They want to be treated like human beings and they want to have the same rights that we all do. I think that's an agenda worth supporting.

When I worked at a certain hospital in the 80s we had a gay person who had a crush on all the guys in my department every other week. He even asked a woman I was involved with about our sex life. It made me skitish around him and I wore my uniform to work so I could avoid changing clothes around him. I can see why some people would be unwilling to change in front of someone who might have an attraction to them. I remember years ago there was a female reporter who got verbally(I'm not sure if it was more) attacked by a player who felt that it was wrong for her to be there while they were nude. They felt like she should be subjected to whatever crap they deemed necessary. When it happened there was a big brouhaha about it and it changed how women were allowed in locker-rooms. I can't think of any sport where there are no macho behavior going on that the rest of us could easily understand . Name one team sport where it would be a non-issue for a teammate to be gay? You can't even name an individual sport where being gay is accepted. Tennis, anyone? I doubt gay people can be so readily accepted in our society unless you liked them very much before you found out about it. I don't have a problem with gay people.

All gay men are not attracted to all the men in the world. Just as a heterosexual male is not attracted to all the women in the world. Being homosexual is something that you are born with. Who would honestly choose a lifestyle where you are constantly being ridiculed and judged? When I was in high school and college, I often wished that i wasn't homosexual. Now as I've matured I'm proud of who I am. Although I adamantly disagree with Tim Hardaway's opinion, I also believe in his right to say whatever he feels. As a fan of the NBA, I watch games on an almost dail basis. But when it comes down to it, Tim Hardaway's opinions means absolutely nothing to me. I'm more concerned with my family and my friends. I'm sure that Tim Hardaway has had several gay team mates, however they were not "out." As long as I have the love and support of my family and friends, that's all I need. To those of you who "hate" any group of people, I truly feel sorry for you.

My mother disliked the movie Little Miss Sunshine in part because a character had a gay "issue." Or because he was gay. The irony left me with my mouth agape. She also said she thought gay men are pedophiles. WHAT? If anyone believes that see my brother for counseling (see below).

At the same gathering my uncle related an anecdote and repeatedly used the "N" word. I was so disgusted I wanted to leave (I did, but just the room). He would use the "Hate" just like Tim. He would use the word "Hate" with Mexicans too and used an unflattering term to describe them--until his daughter married a nice Mexican girl. Same with the Japanese, and his Marine son just came back on leave with yes, a Japanese girl. When his third son comes out of the closet and marries a wonderful African American girl I'll let you know what he says then. Same with Tim. He may have had a bad experience with a gay person or has been fed bigoted misinformation from a young age thusly malforming his opinion and resulting in his wacky statements.

I love my mother but I also have to remember that I have a brother who is a minister/missionary/psychologist and a gung ho born again sister. I believe they are wise enough to understand there is absolutely no connection whatsoever between being gay and a pedophile but I think neither brother or sister would've liked the movie either, mostly on Christian grounds and avoidance of discord (profanity, g'pa's views and behavior: porn and drugs, the son's reaction to bad news). Spoiler Alert: In LMS, The Grievance Liaison said, "You are not the only one to have someone die today" in a harsh voice. She has become numb to what others may view as the most difficult time of their lives and reacted poorly. But I doubt she'd act that way if she had recently lost a loved one--unless she has a personality disorder. I do not believe Tim does. He is just numb and misguided.

Tim has to realize that the openly gay population is large and many many more are closeted and they are not going to go away nor should they. Tim needs to read this blog and others like it and try to pry open his mind, even if just a little bit. He doesn't have to go to the matinee of Brokeback Mountain, but he needs to understand that a whole heck of a lot of people did (over $100 million gross). I am not saying all the movie goers were gay, and I don't know how many people walked out but at least they were there and curious (my mom, brother, sister, and uncle will NOT go). They were not forced to go. Dick Cheney was forced to face his daughter's lesbian lifestyle. Before that I think Cheney would have echoed Tim's unfortunate sentiments. You just don't know if you just don't know.
Whoever made the shower comment or the mental illness comment better save a few bucks and not rent Brokeback from Blockbuster (has Blockbuster edited the movie?), but I wish they would. The movie is not propaganda but more of a "gentle" persuasion or unveiling (no pun intended). Watch Little Miss Sunshine and see if you can relate or understand or at least sympathize in any way shape or form to Steve Carell's (star of 40 year old virgin, for gosh sakes) character. If not, go on your not-so-merry way. Tim will be an unhappy camper for a long time to come or at least until he hires a better PR team (not Tom Cruise’s) or finds out one of his children are gay. The word "Hate" will vaporize.

Now, go se Little Miss Sunshine. YOu too, Tim

I worked in a steel mill or 30 years and during that time worked alongside several guys that were openly gay and not once in those 30 years was there an incident in the locker room cuased by the fact they were gay. Certainly there were guys that felt uncomfortable around them but that was thier problem to deal with. None of the gays ever made any unwanted advances towards me or another co-worker, infact there were times when they actually joked about themselves. The one thing that is very apparent when reading the posts on this blog is that the emphasis has been on SEX. Any relationship whether it is heterosexual or homosexual is not a constant sexual thing. Yes there has to be a physical attraction but that is only a part of what makes a relationship work. And much of the cause of the spread of STD's (including AIDS) can be attributed to straight men that engage in sex with prostitutes that contracted the disease either through sex with a john that was infected or through unhealthy drug habits then transmits it to his wife or girlfriend or even another prostitute which just may be a male prostitute. Case in point... how did Magic Johnson contract HIV? Why has he been applauded for going public with that information and John Amechie catches the "hate" of the likes of Tim Hardaway? Yes there are now safe gaurds in the game when a player is bleeding and that is a good thing that is directly a result of Magic's admission. But no one refused to play on the same court with him. Amazingly people seem to have a higher tolerance for an admitted adulterer than they do for an admitted Gay.

Tim...you make a good point about the emphasis being on homosexual sex, but isn't it the sex that makes a person homosexual? Their relationships can be just as loving as any heterosexual relationship. Gay people have jobs, pay mortgages, shop, eat and enjoy the company of family and friends just as any heterosexual person does, what makes them different is whom they choose to have sex with. I believe this is why discussions about gay men and women always have an emphasis on sex.

Also, I believe future hall of famer, Karl Malone, once said that he would not play on the same court as Magic because no one is sure how the virus is transmitted. Malone broke the ice, which led to a number of players voicing concerns about the possibilities of contracting the virus because of the blood and sweat that is passed on among players. This ultimately led to the rule that a player who is bleeding MUST leave the game and Magic's permanent retirement.

Darryl I disagree with your theory that it's the homosexual sex itself that makes a person homosexual. There is both emotional and physical attraction in any relationship whether it is hetero or homosexual. The physical sex act is merely a display of the emotional aspect a relationship. When a male/female couple are seen walking down the street holding hands no one thinks anything of it, but two guys holding hands and people start thinking what kind of kinky things they must be doing and two girls being openly affectionate and most guys think damn I'd like to watch that. I am by no means saying that I am a supporter of gay lifestyles but your sexulity is your choice just as your religion is your choice and if we disagree in our views I will be the first to defend your right to disagree. Just don't brow beat me with your bible because that will only cause me to lose respect for you.

Hi My name is Tim Hardaway. I have been out of the NBA for a while so I thought I would say something really stupid so my name could be in the media again right before the All Star Break. I learned this trick from my friend OJ.

Gloria Allreds Camera.....

What makes Tim Hardaway think he's so irresistable that any and every gay man in a locker room would be checking him out in the shower?

The discussion of homosexuality absolutely baffles me sometimes. A lot of Earth's history is a mystery to us all. Some answers will never be discovered. People have their own way of interpreting information that is available to us. But to deny facts that have been established over century's is astonishing. Our original origins come from the relationship between a man and a woman. How else were Gay people created? So when I read or hear people say Homosexuality is natural, I am at a loss for words. How do these people come to these conclusions? Baffling. To the matter of one of my most favorite of all time basketball players Tim Hardaway, I was disappointed. While I don't hate gay people, I don't agree with their choice fundamentally. That's it. No more, no less. I don't need to express it anymore, or any less. Gay people are just that PEOPLE, and while they breathe the same air as we do, until they are not classified as homo-sapiens, they deserve the same rights as everyone else.

it amazes me to hear the different perspectives on gay people. to bring up religion and say that as catholics we do not accept gay people is absurd and hypocritical. i truly feel sorry for those people who follow a set of beliefes so blindly that you can actually have hatred for what you would consider one of gods creatures. tim hardaway is an ignorant man for saying what he says but he has the right to say that, just like i have the right to call him an ignorant piece of crap. say what you wanna say but you should be held accountable for those words, especially when attacking a whole group of people much as if i were to say i hate white poeple or i hate blacks, or mexicans. freedom of speech is your right but you should excercise that with resonsibility before you take away the freedoms of other people by imposing your hateful words on them.

tell me how gay marriage and gay relations directly have effected you in a dramatic way. life is short dont judge others. who should have the right to tell you they cant make you happy. isnt life ahrd enough as is? save that for whatever god you believe in. im not even gay but i do have friends who are gay and they are just like you and me. they did not choose to be gay cuz its the "cool" thing to do obviously, its simply what has been given to them. im not perfect and i realize that i am in no way qualified to tell a person what they should like or prefer or how they should live their life. but i have been exposed to a lot of cultures and religions at an early age and have realized that there is not just one right way to live your life or what to believe in. just cuz you except gay people does not mean your going to turn gay, its not a disease. you can come in contact with a gay person and not need a shot or vaccination or repent your sins and fear that you are going to hell.

IGNORANT PEOPLE ARE MORE CONTAGEOUS AND DAMAGING TO SOCIETY THAN HOMOSEXUALITY WILL EVER BE.

Roman, here comes a mixed-answer. First of all, don't make excuses for Hardaway. He said, "I HATE homosexuals." He was very clear about that. So don't be a guilt-ridden white guy like Rick Telander who has different rules for the black players..Having said the above, I too have problems with the concept of homosexuality. I admit it. And I honestly think much of this 'same-sex marriage', 'gay rights', etc. campaigns is all about money and political power.

The important thing to remember here is that Tim Hardaway had a killer cross over dribble and played great D.

I could care less about what he thinks of homos. He played some good ball, and that's what I'll remember him for.

Tim made a mistake and apologized for it. Some believe only his first words - which were made without him thinking. We have erasers and a backspace button because we make mistakes. We all know that dislike and hate are two different words and we know which context Mr. Hardaway was speaking in. Hate is what the Ku Klux Klan does. Hate is what Hitler did. That means ACTING in an agressive way to hurt or cause harm to others. What Tim feels is intense dislike for the Gay Lifestyle. Even Gays understand that and know better. They know its a difference between a snear or statment - and a molotave coctail. DOES ANYONE REALLY THINK TIM HARDAWAY HATES LIKE THAT? Gays are not after RESPECT and EQUALITY, they want folks to LIKE and ACCEPT their lifestyles. They want straight men to accept being in the shower with Gay men and to assume that they are not looking. Tim says no emphatically and so do I. Just like a woman would object to me being in the shower with her. UNLIKE GAY MEN LIKE AMECHIE - I can ADMIT - you put me in the shower with women and UM LOOKING!!!! He was in the NBA with top notch athletes and he is trying to tell us he NEVER looked. What a crock! America means being free not to like what others like. Gays are free to not like straight people also, which some DO NOT LIKE - as much as Tim dislikes Gays.

NBA moved too quickly on Tim, but they had to spin it for the dollars.

I'll make this easy. If you have met or seen Tim Hardaway in a conversation, you realize that he's not very intelligent. Why would anyone want to interview him or use him for endorsements and NBA work? I'm African American and I liked him as a player, but I would never have him as a spokesperson of any kind, even before this issue.

Gay people are the new black people now. I see it all clear now. Black people were born into slavery, Gay people are born to be gay. Black people were treated unfairly, Gay people are treated unfairly. Black people had to fight for rights, Gay people are fighting for rights.

So explain how a black person can decide that they don't wanna be black anymore. I know some people who were gay and they aren't anymore.