Sports

Pacers’ Hibbert fined $75K for homophobic, vulgar comments

MIAMI — While Roy Hibbert issued a statement through the team yesterday apologizing for using both a homophobic comment and vulgarity during his postgame press conference following Indiana’s 91-77 win in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals Saturday night, the league hit the Pacers center with a $75,000 fine for his remarks.

“I am apologizing for insensitive remarks made during the postgame press conference after our victory over Miami Saturday night,” Hibbert said in the statement. “They were disrespectful and offensive and not a reflection of my personal views. I used a slang term that is not appropriate in any setting, private or public, and the language I used definitely has no place in a public forum, especially over live television.

“I apologize to those who I have offended, to our fans and to the Pacers’ organization. I sincerely have deep regret over my choice of words last night.”

NBA commissioner Davis Stern, in a statement, said: “While Roy has issued an apology which is no doubt sincere, a fine is necessary to reinforce that such offensive comments will not be tolerated by the NBA.”

Hibbert, who finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds and a blocked shot in the win, uttered the homophobic comment as part of his answer to a question about one of the pivotal moments of the game — when Hibbert drew an offensive foul on LeBron James that led to both James and Heat assistant coach David Fizdale picking up technical fouls in its aftermath.

“I really felt that I let Paul [George] down in terms of having his back when LeBron was scoring in the post or getting to the paint, because they stretched me out so much, no homo,” Hibbert said.

Hibbert later called out the media when asked how, despite anchoring the league’s best defense, he finished 10th in Defensive Player of the Year voting.

“You know what, because y’all [expletive] don’t watch us play throughout the year, to tell you the truth.

“That’s fine. I’m going to be real with you, and I don’t care if I get fined.”

Hibbert, to no one’s surprise, proved to be prophetic, as the NBA responded last night by hitting Hibbert with the large fine.