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"Despicable."

"Unacceptable."

"Disturbing."

These are just some of the words DiversityInc readers used when responding to the news of former NBA star Tim Hardaway's vitriolic statement regarding gays. (See also: Ex-NBA Star Declares 'I Hate Gay People') The day after, Hardaway's comments were denounced by many, including the NBA, which banned the retired player and former ESPN commentator from participating in any NBA all-star activities this weekend.

Here's just a sampling of the responses DiversityInc received:

"It saddens me to hear of such bigotry coming from the mouths of black men who are living within 50 years of a time when they would have been barred from all white locker rooms based upon notions of trust and that they had no place in this country. Maybe Dr. King was right when he said that 'the experience of oppression... only teaches people to oppress.' So what is the fear, gentlemen? What could a gay player do that would cause you a problem that would not also cost him his job based upon misconduct? What are you really worried about? Of course I remember when white people were opposed to having blacks on Big 10 teams because it might cause white 'girls' to want to marry them."

Ben Alexander

"Can you imagine the reaction if he had said the same type of hateful comments about blacks or Jews? Oh wait, we know what the reaction would have been because of recent examples of hate speak by celebrities like Mel Gibson and Michael Richards.  There was huge public outcry and backlash that these two people may or may not ever fully recover from. Yet, these comments draw little if any publicity. It shows [that] bigotry against gays, sadly, is still very acceptable in the U.S."

Harvey Cohen

"I think the comments made by Hardaway were totally despicable, obnoxious, condescending, and bluntly rude. I do not mean to be so redundant but to think that any one person can judge an entire group of people and dictate that group's rights and freedoms as citizens of our country is outrageous. This sounds like something out of the holocaust and we should not be taking this lightly. Apologies are great but they do not make the damage go away. Comments like this ebb away everything we as people have tried to establish in attempts for diversity and world peace.  Regardless [of] sexual orientation or any other factor, America was meant to be the land of the free, and we as human beings owe it to our forefathers and one another to make this stand true."

Bradd Church

"I listened to Tim Hardaway's statement regarding gays (and by extension, lesbians) in sports. I was especially disheartened that he used God's name in his statement. I don't know why he is so upset about a person's sexual orientation. Is he afraid that it will rub off on him or what? As one who has done a lot of work with people to help them better understand the many issues of diversity in our society and the need to be tolerate, I can't support Hardaway's ignorance. I hope he will recognize that he needs to reexamine his thinking. I would suggest that he get involved in some type of training that may help his attitude."

Robert D. Williams

"I guess this goes to show my wife is correct in her perspective that professional athletes are nothing but spoiled kids who never have to grow up. They have their lame opinions and perspectives ratified by popularity and monetary success. In NO industry should the marker 'professional' be linked to someone with the perspectives of Tim. I am a white, straight father of 5 with a stay-at-home spouse, and also a huge sports fan--a stereotype in itself--I consider myself an ally to the LGBT community. Tim's comments were unacceptable."

Tim Northquist

"I find it a little disturbing that Tim would say such a thing. I am a Christian woman, but to say you hate someone is a very serious statement. Hate is such a strong word and for hundreds of years whites hated anyone not of the same race. I cannot say that I condone the GLBT lifestyle but at the same time I must respect them for who they are. Do I hate GLBT people? No. I have to remember that they are people first with the same likes, dislikes and feelings that I have. So in the end I don't agree with Tim's statements. I think he has miles to go within his diversity journey."

Shawna Banks

"While comments like these are extremely disheartening and sad to see, it is indeed naïve to think this kind of hatred and bigotry is not out there and still widespread.  LeBron James' comments are really no better than Hardaway's. People make comments like these against gay and lesbian citizens and then wonder why they decide not to openly discuss their sexual orientation. Unbelievable."

Adam Apaida 

"The comments of Hardaway reflect that [GLBT people comprise] one of the few groups that, in general, society tolerates hate and discrimination. We have so much more work to do to end homophobic thinking--especially among ethnic minorities.  The workplace could take a lead role in confronting homophobic views."

Billy S. Jones

What are your views? E-mail editor@diversityinc.com with your comments.

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