NBA Hall of Fame basketball player Tim Hardaway apologized after realizing a joke he made during a live broadcast was inappropriate.
Hardaway made the comment during the broadcast of the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs game Monday night.
“Y’all thought that was great [defense], I thought that was just raping them,” he said, adding, “I think you should’ve called the police on that.”
In case you missed it:
WHAT DID TIM HARDAWAY JUST SAY ??? pic.twitter.com/Tmvsu8cYl4
— Chuck Goldberg (@chuckgoldberg) November 15, 2022
Several Twitter users shared their stunned reactions to the remark.
“Dawg wtf,” one user tweeted.
Dawg wtf? https://t.co/FVKSXYwksP
— TR3Y (@ChefBoyartee34) November 15, 2022
Another wrote, “Lol yeah man he can’t be on the air.”
Lol yeah man he can’t be on the air https://t.co/seSdeSlS4M
— Niko (@nikotaughtyou) November 15, 2022
One tweet asked, “WHY WOULD YOU SAY THIS WITH A HEADSET ON YOUR HEAD BROADCASTING TO LIVE TELEVISION”?
WHY WOULD YOU SAY THIS WITH A HEADSET ON YOUR HEAD BROADCASTING TO LIVE TELEVISION https://t.co/1SZsBVSaTE
— SHAI (@NightAndShai) November 15, 2022
Read more tweets below:
He might not have a job tomorrow. What was that man thinking? https://t.co/hu9C8rYR7A
— G (@1Geee_) November 15, 2022
They boutta put Tim on a restraining order against microphones https://t.co/hCNgnkzEtG
— Thick Hamilton (@SportyByNature) November 15, 2022
Broooo nahhhh https://t.co/tiELGHBOAs
— Himmer Fredette ⛹?♂️ (@PuremoneyWerm) November 15, 2022
Idiot https://t.co/iBazyEacPF
— robdul (@Tooka_Doncic) November 15, 2022
Whuuuuuuut https://t.co/vqUVg2peFw
— Jordan A. Hayles (@MR_STiXX) November 15, 2022
yeah he never broadcasting again https://t.co/vNwLjyo3dT
— Myles (@MylesIsReal) November 15, 2022
After realizing the remark was not appropriate, Hardaway apologized.
“Hey everybody, I used a poor choice of words earlier in the broadcast I wanna apologize for that,” Hardaway said.
He added, “Let’s get back to the game and let’s finish the game off with a 30-point win and go home happy.”
“Hey everybody, I used a poor choice of words earlier in the broadcast I wanna apologize for that.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) November 15, 2022
Tim Hardaway apologizes for his use of the word “rape” while covering the Warriors-Spurs game.pic.twitter.com/7LdiUPdfxb
This is not the first time Hardaway made headlines for making a controversial statement.
“You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known,” Hardaway said during a radio show in 2007.
He continued, “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.”
Hardaway later apologized for the statement.
“As an African-American, I know all too well the negative thoughts and feelings hatred and bigotry cause,” Hardaway said in a statement released by his agent at the time.
He added, “I regret and apologize for the statements that I made that have certainly caused the same kinds of feelings and reactions.”
The hall of fame player then apologized to his “fans, friends and family in Miami and Chicago. I am committed to examining my feelings and will recognize, appreciate and respect the differences among people in our society.”
