Nugent Launches Homophobic Rant In Response To NBA Fining Bryant For Using Gay Slur

Special Programs LGBTQ

Written by Media Matters Staff

Published

In an April 19 Washington Times column headlined, “NBA's gay gag order,” Ted Nugent criticized the NBA for fining Kobe Bryant for using a gay slur, writing that “Bryant committed this egregious verbal foul because he used a word demeaning to homosexuals, the most protected class of people in America” and that "[t]hose among us who work tirelessly to shut down (and shout down, if the need arises) speech they disagree with must also be absolutely gay with pride and satisfaction over this fine."

Nugent further wrote that "[i]f the NBA had any true gay convictions, the NBA should host a Homosexual Night" during which “homosexuals could come down on the court, hold hands and prance around the court to music by the Village People. The NBA could then give each homosexual a pink basketball as a symbol of solidarity.”

From Nugent's column:

Basketball superstar Kobe Bryant was socked with a $100,000 fine by the NBA last week for calling a referee what the NBA thinks is a derogatory, ugly and vile name.

To be exact, Mr. Bryant committed this egregious verbal foul because he used a word demeaning to homosexuals, the most protected class of people in America.

Gay rights groups applaud the decision of the NBA, which must make all the homosexual basketball fans feel peachy and special. Who knows, maybe the NBA will use Mr. Bryant's $100,000 to buy courtside seats for gay basketball fans. Yeah, that's the ticket. Show some gay pride, NBA.

Those among us who work tirelessly to shut down (and shout down, if the need arises) speech they disagree with must also be absolutely gay with pride and satisfaction over this fine.

[...]

If the NBA had any true gay convictions, the NBA should host a Homosexual Night. During halftime, the homosexuals could come down on the court, hold hands and prance around the court to music by the Village People. The NBA could then give each homosexual a pink basketball as a symbol of solidarity.

[...]

Homosexuals are a protected class in America. If you think what happened to Mr. Bryant was a travesty, just wait until you see what homosexuals in the military do when they claim they have been mistreated because of their sexual orientation.