GLAAD Calls on NBA to Speak Out against Joakim Noah's Use of Anti-Gay Slur
Mon. May 23, 2011 11:40 AM
joakim noah
photo credit // tnt
New York, NY -
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the nation's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) media advocacy and anti-defamation organization, today responded after Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah shouted an anti-gay slur toward a fan during a game on Sunday night.
"Last month the NBA sent an important message about how such slurs fuel a climate of intolerance and are unacceptable," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "These anti-gay remarks, coming so soon after, demonstrate how much needs to be done."
Noah has since apologized stating: "I apologize. The fan said something to me that I thought was disrespectful, and I got caught up in the moment, and I said some things that I shouldn't have said. I was frustrated and I don't mean no disrespect to anybody. I just got caught up."
"Noah's apology is a start," Barrios continued. "We are confident that the NBA will now take disciplinary measures and hasten its work with us to tell all players that there is no place for anti-gay words and attitudes in the game."
This morning GLAAD reached out to the NBA and the Chicago Bulls to discuss next steps.
Following the use of an anti-gay slur by Kobe Bryant, GLAAD began a partnership with the LA Lakers and the NBA. The Lakers sent a message about the use of such slurs through a video that was shown at home games during the Lakers' playoff run. GLAAD is actively working with the NBA to foster a safe environment for all fans, employees and players.
About GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org. For the latest updates on our work, visit www.twitter.com/glaad and www.facebook.com/glaad.
"Last month the NBA sent an important message about how such slurs fuel a climate of intolerance and are unacceptable," said GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios. "These anti-gay remarks, coming so soon after, demonstrate how much needs to be done."
Noah has since apologized stating: "I apologize. The fan said something to me that I thought was disrespectful, and I got caught up in the moment, and I said some things that I shouldn't have said. I was frustrated and I don't mean no disrespect to anybody. I just got caught up."
"Noah's apology is a start," Barrios continued. "We are confident that the NBA will now take disciplinary measures and hasten its work with us to tell all players that there is no place for anti-gay words and attitudes in the game."
This morning GLAAD reached out to the NBA and the Chicago Bulls to discuss next steps.
Following the use of an anti-gay slur by Kobe Bryant, GLAAD began a partnership with the LA Lakers and the NBA. The Lakers sent a message about the use of such slurs through a video that was shown at home games during the Lakers' playoff run. GLAAD is actively working with the NBA to foster a safe environment for all fans, employees and players.
About GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) amplifies the voice of the LGBT community by empowering real people to share their stories, holding the media accountable for the words and images they present, and helping grassroots organizations communicate effectively. By ensuring that the stories of LGBT people are heard through the media, GLAAD promotes understanding, increases acceptance, and advances equality. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org. For the latest updates on our work, visit www.twitter.com/glaad and www.facebook.com/glaad.