An N.B.A. referee disclosed in a statement to Yahoo Sports that he is gay after Rajon Rondo, the Sacramento Kings’ guard, directed what the league called a “derogatory and offensive term” at him during a game this month.
Bill Kennedy, who is working his 18th season as an N.B.A. referee, told Yahoo Sports, “I am proud to be an N.B.A. referee and I am proud to be a gay man.”
He added: “I am following in the footsteps of others who have self-identified in the hopes that will send a message to young men and women in sports that you must allow no one to make you feel ashamed of who you are.