Dissecting Hardaway's Statement
Tim Hardaway's statements on 02/15/2007 were shocking but in a different way you may be thinking. Lets look at everything he said and break it down line by line.
"You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known,"
This was his most shocking statement to most and the one most people are talking about. Is he wrong? Yes, hatred for people is not something thats condoned by Christianity and Tim Hardaway is a self professed Christian. You, like God are just suppose to hate the act that you disapprove of and not the person himself. Ill agree he should have not made this statement.
"I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people. "
This is his opinion and preference. I also prefer not to be around that lifestyle. I dont want to see gay people kissing or holding hands or doing anything affectionate. It literally makes my stomach upset to see this in front of me.
"I am homophobic. "
I hate this statement in general. I really do. This is a term coined by "gays" to make it seem like that straight people are afraid of what they dont know. Homophobia broken down literally means - afraid of homos. Im sure Tim meant it as a term to mean he doesnt like gays like he previously said but homosexuals always turn it around to mean anti gay people are scared because they dont understand. I disapprove of the gay lifestyle but im not homophobic. Im not afraid of them or what they stand for. Yes i do understand what they stand for and I still dont like it.
"I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States."
Once again its his opinion. If he is a Christian and believes the word of the Bible then he would not want it anywhere in the world.
"First of all, I wouldn't want him on my team."
We all know part of a successful team is team chemistry and not just talent alone. If he didnt approve of his teammate it would be hard for him to build the necessary chemistry to be a winner.
"And second of all, if he was on my team, I would, you know, really distance myself from him because, uh, I don't think that's right."
Thats his right. Just doesnt apply to someone being gay. If a teammate was a thug or some kind of druggie I wouldnt want to be around them either.
"And you know I don't think he should be in the locker room while we're in the locker room. I wouldn't even be a part of that"
Im totally assuming that he's referring to the gay guy looking at the other guys. Im with him on that one. I would feel too uncomfortable wondering if some gay guy was looking at mine or some other guys package.
All of these statements are not even whats shocking. Its his rebuttal later on in the day apologizing for everything.
"As an African-American, I know all too well the negative thoughts and feelings hatred and bigotry cause,"
First of all last time i looked he was born in Chicago, Illinois in America and not Africa. Im white but I dont refer to myself as an Irish-English American. This is a whole other issue in itself.
"I regret and apologize for the statements that I made that have certainly caused the same kinds of feelings and reactions."
He should of said the one statement referring to hating gays and said he meant the rest.
" I am committed to examining my feelings and will recognize, appreciate and respect the differences among people in our society,"
WTF! Did he really mean this or is this just spin work to help salvage his reputation? Examine his feelings? Thats what they want him to do. They want him to think they are exactly like us but they just prefer the same sex. Physically yes they are the same but the whole sinful lifestyle is quite different than the acceptable lifestyle thats promoted in Gods word. If you are not a Christian then your opinion is going to greatly differ and I expect that. Im just tired of wimpy Christians laying down and accepting everything just so it will be peaceful, or so they dont cause a stir. No Tim you dont have appreciate and respect the differences. God doesnt respect what they do and neither should you. He loves them and wants them to change but appreciate and respect are out the door. Maybe some other celebrities will come to his defense or stand out with their own opinions and feelings on the subject but I somehow doubt it. Maybe there is some light at the end of the tunnel but its flickering fast and a new rainbow colored flame is there to replace it.