11184: Offensive Karma In NBA Playoffs.

It looks like Offensive Karma applies to the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

To review, Offensive Karma is defined by a team’s display of offensiveness in the form of words or actions rooted in bigotry, discrimination and ignorance—which then leads to the team’s ultimate demise in the competition.

Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert clearly sunk his team with the “No Homo” and “Y’all Motherfuckers” press conference commentary.

Unless the Pacers pull off the greatest comeback in recorded history within the next six minutes, the Miami Heat will advance to face the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.

11175: Roy Hibbert Fouls Out.

From NBA.com…

Pacers’ Hibbert Fined $75K For ‘Inappropriate And Vulgar’ Language

By Sekou Smith

Not all speech is free.

Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert found out the hard way on the eve of Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals, when the NBA fined him $75,000 for using “inappropriate and vulgar language” during postgame interviews after the Pacers’ Game 6 win over the Miami Heat Saturday night in Indianapolis.

“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,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern in a statement released by the league.

Hibbert’s apology, issued via Pacers.com earlier Sunday, summed up the big man’s feeling after realizing that he might have offended some people with his remarks:

“I am apologizing for insensitive remarks made during the postgame press conference after our victory over Miami Saturday night. 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.”

10533: And He’s Out!

Tu Ere Moron.

10258: Stoudemire Fouls Out With Pride.

From The New York Daily News…

Amar’e Stoudemire fined $50,000 by NBA for using gay slur in Twitter exchange with NY Knicks fan

All-Star power forward says there is ‘no excuse’ for his actions. Lakers star Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 for directing similar language at a referee.

By Mitch Lawrence / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Amar’e Stoudemire’s use of a gay slur in Tweet over the weekend cost the Knicks’ superstar $50,000.

The NBA announced the fine Tuesday, citing Stoudemire for using “using offensive and derogatory language,’’ according to Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations.

Stoudemire released a statement Tuesday:

“I am a huge supporter of civil rights for all people,” Stoudemire said in a statement. “I am disappointed in myself for my statement to a fan. I should have known better and there is no excuse.”

Stoudemire became the latest NBA player to run afoul of the league’s zero-tolerance policy for players who use anti-gay derogatory words. In response to Knick fan Brian Ferrelli’s Tweet on Saturday that said he needed to come back “a lot stronger and quicker to make up for this past season,’’ Stoudemire Tweeted, “F--- you! I don’t have to do anything f--.’’

Stoudemire apologized after his comment went viral, but that doesn’t make any difference with the NBA. What made his remark all the more outlandish is that he made it during Gay Pride weekend.

The tweet brought embarrassment to the league and the Knicks less than two months after Stoudemire severely lacerated his left hand as he punched a glass fire extinguisher door after the Knicks lost Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Heat in Miami. The self-inflicted wound forced him to miss the next game as the Knicks lost in five to the eventual-champion Heat.

Stoudemire’s penalty matched the NBA’s punishment when the Bulls’ Joakim Noah yelled the same gay slur that Stoudemire used at a fan in Miami during a playoff game last season. Noah was also cited for using “a derogatory and offensive term.”

But Stoudemire and Noah’s penalty was half of what the league hit Kobe Bryant with a month earlier. In addition to being fined $100,000, the Lakers’ superstar also received a strong public rebuke from David Stern for using the same derogatory word Noah used, against a league referee, Bennie Adams.

Although Bryant said his comment was a result of venting his anger at Adams and should not have been taken literally, the league still dropped the hammer since one of it’s referee was the target.

The NBA has been aggressively trying to stop the use of anti-gay language and trash talking among its players. To draw attention to its mission, the league has been airing public service ad campaigns for the past several seasons with the message, “think before you speak.”

8945: Monkeying Around With Morgan.

From The New York Daily News…

Tracy Morgan under fire again for cracking offensive jokes about the mentally disabled in NYC show

By Shari Weiss, Daily News Staff Writer

Tracy Morgan has moved on from offensive homophobic remarks to similarly degrading comments about people with disabilities.

During a show at Carolines in Manhattan Saturday, the comedian warned the audience, “Don’t ever mess with women who have retarded kids.”

“Them young retarded males is strong,” he said, according to The New York Times. “They’re strong like chimps.”

The “30 Rock” star reportedly went on to admit he used to date “a cripple,” who had a mechanical larynx, a prosthetic arm and a portable dialysis machine.

Morgan suffers from diabetes, and received a kidney transplant in December.

The 42-year-old’s comments have already angered The Arc, an organization that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Tracy Morgan should apologize immediately,” CEO Peter Berns told E! News.

“This quote is far too offensive to be excused as comedy, and it is very hurtful to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families,” Berns said.

The activist added that Morgan “has an incredibly powerful platform from which to fix this, and if he’s learned anything in the last few weeks, he can’t bomb this apology.”

Morgan recently returned from a mea culpa tour earlier this month after he made homophobic comments — in which he said he’d kill his son if he were gay, among other outlandish statements – at a June 3 show in Nashville.

He apologized multiple times, including in person to Kevin Rogers, the attendee who had posted the comments on Facebook, and swore he would never make such vulgar remarks again.

The loudmouthed actor acknowledged the media firestorm at his Carolines gig, which was his first return to the stage since that ill-fated performance.

“You’re all sitting here waiting for me [to] say something about the controversy, right?” he said, according to The Times. “I’m 42, man, and now all of a sudden I’m homophobic?”

Morgan expressed gratitude to the audience for giving him another chance.

“I love you all so much. Did I tell you that tonight?” he reportedly said. “I’ve been in trouble lately, and this was big for me that you all came out.”

He also denied he was homophobic, as he had recently been labeled.

“I believe gay, straight, anybody, everybody’s supposed to be happy in this world, man,” he said.

8930: Slurred Speech.

Sorry characters in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Chris Brown apologized via Twitter for his anti-gay sentiments directed at photographers earlier in the week. The serial homophobic woman beater snapped at photographers whom he believed had tipped off police over his illegally parked ride. “Y’all niggas is weak,” growled Brown. “Did you call them to try and film me? Y’all niggas is gay!” Brown’s apologetic Tweet read, “I have total respect for Gay community and my intention was not to insult anyone in it.” Look for Brown to now go on tour with Tracy Morgan.

• Chelsea Handler is catching heat for insulting Serbians, with protestors calling for a boycott of Handler and her show until the comedienne apologizes. On Monday’s episode of her E! program, Handler and her guests were discussing Amy Winehouse’s recent concert problems in Serbia. Handler’s comments implied that “Serbia and its people are a shame and disappointment,” and she laughed that she didn’t know Serbians were allowed to attend concerts. And this woman called Sarah Palin really stupid?

8922: Coming Out And Coming Clean.

A Midweek MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Tracy Morgan returned to Nashville to officially apologize for his anti-gay comedy routine. Morgan then announced to the world—as the photograph above reveals—that he is indeed a gay man himself. Just kidding.

• Journalist, documentary filmmaker and Pulitzer Prize winner Jose Antonio Vargas admitted he is an undocumented immigrant. A native of the Philippines, Vargas has held positions with the Washington Post and the Huffington Post. He probably took a Spanish-sounding name to throw people off. Hey, Vargas is no Salma Hayek.

8895: Tuesday Turnarounds.

Turning around the news in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Tracy Morgan has done a complete turnaround, now partnering with Russell Simmons and GLAAD to rebound from his anti-gay comedy routine. “Of all the sicknesses, there is probably none more abusive than homophobia,” said Morgan. “What I am most sad about is the comments I made about kids and bullying. I would never want any young person to think that I wasn’t on their side and if any young person thinks they can bully a young gay kid, come see me at 30 Rock. On the corner, I would be happy to meet you. Or Brooklyn if you can’t make it into Manhattan.” Great, now he’s picking fights with homophobic bullies.

• Wendy’s/Arby’s Group is seeking to split and go in separate fast food directions. The majority stake of the struggling Arby’s brand is being sold to Roark Capital Group, a private equity firm in Atlanta. Guess the accountants at Arby’s have not been in a Good Mood Food mindset.

8889: Between A Rock And A Hard Place.

Sunday Evening News with a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Chris Rock initially defended Tracy Morgan’s anti-gay comedy routine, but later backtracked and condemned it. Perhaps Rock could show Morgan how it’s done…?

• A new Gallup poll showed the general economy and unemployment are Americans’ top two concerns. While Whites rated the general economy as the top concern, Blacks felt unemployment was the number one issue. Both groups, however, agreed that Tracy Morgan’s anti-gay comedy routine deserved condemnation.

8885: Saturday Sorry Statements.

Apologizing with a MultCultClassics Monologue…

• Tracy Morgan released an apology for his anti-gay comedy routine: “I’m not a hateful person and don’t condone any kind of violence against others. … While I am an equal opportunity jokester, and my friends know what is in my heart, even in a comedy club this clearly went too far and was not funny in any context.” Hey, looks like homophobia is completely curable when your professional livelihood is threatened.

• Russell Crowe issued an apology after being labeled anti-Semitic over comments the actor made about circumcision. “Circumcision is barbaric and stupid,” declared Crowe via Twitter. “Who are you to correct nature? Is it real that GOD requires a donation of foreskin? Babies are perfect.” The anti-Semitism charges emerged after Crowe exchanged tweets with a Jewish pal that included, “I love my Jewish friends, I love the apples and the honey and the funny little hats but stop cutting yr babies @eliroth.” When the complaints escalated, Crowe apologized. Hey, Crowe—babies are perfect, but adults are not.

• Rep. Anthony Weiner received some unexpected support from Rep. Charles Rangel. “I know one thing: He wasn’t going out with prostitutes, he wasn’t going out with little boys, he wasn’t going into men’s rooms with broad stances,” said Rangel, alluding to the respective sex scandals of Republican Sen. David Vitter, GOP Rep. Mark Foley and GOP Sen. Larry Craig. Great, a guy found guilty of multiple ethics violation defends a pervert by comparing him to even bigger perverts.

8881: TGIFools & Freaks.

Working towards the weekend with a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Tracy Morgan is catching heat for a stand-up routine featuring homophobic remarks, as well as the N-Word. Fortunately for the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks, Morgan isn’t a fan of either squad—the Offensive Karma would absolutely doom a team.

• Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich saw his campaign team stage a mass exodus on Thursday. The reasons behind the departures covered everything from campaign direction to finances. “We were living a Cadillac campaign on a Bud Light budget,” said one staffer who bailed out. Hmmm. No clear vision and unable to manage finances. Throw in his extramarital affair and you’ve got the perfect candidate—for a new reality TV series.

8828: Glee Is A Four-Letter Word.

Go check out Jim Edwards at BNET, as he examines the Glee PSA that seeks to persuade everyone to stop using the word “retard” by depicting people uttering a slew of slurs. “The R-Word is the same as every minority slur,” declares Jane Lynch. “Treat it that way, and don’t use it.” Ugh. This sort of shock tactic is never really impressive—and likely not effective. Besides, Lynch’s willingness to prostitute herself for any advertiser that comes knocking weakens her credibility in this instance; in fact, it’s almost insulting to watch the woman here. Then again, MultiCultClassics is no Glee fan. Or Lynch groupie.

8823: Offensive Karma In The NBA Finals.

The NBA Playoffs have been affected by a new phenomenon that bettors and bookies should note: Offensive Karma.

Offensive Karma is defined by a team’s display of offensiveness in the form of words or actions rooted in bigotry, discrimination and ignorance—which then leads to the team’s ultimate demise in the championship tourney.

For example, Kobe Bryant showed offensiveness by hurling an anti-gay slur at a referee, earning a $150,000 fine from the league. The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the Western Conference series.

LeBron James showed offensiveness with his “retarded” remark. However, James was trumped by Joakim Noah, who directed an anti-gay slur at a rude fan, earning a $50,000 fine. The Chicago Bulls fell to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

At this point, James’ offense now rises to the top. So place your money on the Dallas Mavericks winning the NBA Championship.

Unless Dirk Nowitzki suddenly reveals his closet allegiance to Nazism.

8811: Running For Cover.

Dodging bullets in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Former President George W. Bush had to dodge a foul ball while watching a Texas Rangers game in Arlington. Um, alert Secret Service agents should have thrown themselves between Bush and the projectile, no?

• Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah was fined $50,000 by the NBA for hurling an anti-gay slur at an unruly fan. Noah apologized and said he thought the fine was fairy, er, fair.

8809: Potty Mouths And Shitheads.

Monday mumblings in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah allegedly used the same anti-gay slur as Kobe Bryant, although Noah directed the word at a jeering fan. Perhaps the NBA will name an All-Star bigot team—starring Noah, Bryant, LeBron James and more. Unfortunately for Chicago fans, while Noah matched Bryant and James in the offensive game, he can’t mimic the superstars’ basketball skills.

• Donald Trump said he would consider re-entering the run for the presidency. “I can’t rule out anything,” said Trump, adding that it’s “vital” for Republicans to nominate the right candidate to face President Barack Obama in 2012. “I don’t see that person. … The ones that have announced, I just don’t see it. At this point in time, they’re not going to be beating Obama.” Maybe Trump should introduce a GOP Candidate Apprentice.

8784: NBA PSA 4 LGBT.

Advertsing Age reported on NBA players featured in new PSAs designed to stop anti-LGBT language. The campaign is officially called, “Think Before You Speak.” And unofficially called, “Shut the fuck up, Kobe.”

NBA Joins Effort to Stop Anti-LGBT Language

Ad Council Launching New PSAs in Basketball Conference Finals

By Karen Egolf


The NBA is joining the Ad Council and the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network to launch a new effort targeting anti-gay language among teens. The PSAs, which will debut May 15 during the NBA Conference Finals on ABC, TNT and ESPN, feature the Phoenix Suns’ Grant Hill and Jared Dudley.

The campaign, including TV, radio, print and Web, was created pro bono by ArnoldNYC. It’s an extension of the Ad Council’s “Think Before You Speak” and GLSEN’s “Changing the Game” efforts.

Almost 90% of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender teens say they have been verbally harassed in the past school year, while almost half have been physically harassed, according to GLSEN’s 2009 National School Climate Survey.

The new effort tells teens that using words such as “gay” in a negative way can have serious consequences, showing that using such terms to say something is dumb or stupid is not acceptable on the basketball court or anywhere else. The PSAs tell audiences to visit ThinkB4YouSpeak.com for more information and to take a pledge against using anti-LGBT language.

“We’ve partnered with GLSEN and the Ad Council on ‘Think Before You Speak’ for several years, and while we’re proud to be able to turn our energy and talent toward changing negative behavior, there is unfortunately a lot more work to be done,” said John Staffen, chief creative officer, ArnoldNYC, in announcing the effort. “The NBA deserves big kudos for stepping up to the plate and being a part of this important dialogue.”

“Think Before You Speak,” the Ad Council’s first LGBT-themed campaign, has received more than $17.6 million worth of media exposure since its launch in 2008.

8726: Kobe Bryant Makes PSAmends.

Kobe Bryant and Lakers teammates taped a psa calling for inclusion. Wow, this thing is dripping with sincerity. Bryant declared, “Words can be hurtful. Replace them with understanding, compassion and acceptance.” And $100,000.

8715: Going Into Overtime With Kobe Bryant.

Did anyone else watch Kobe Bryant take a nasty tumble in the opening NBA Playoff game and think it was karma and/or Higher Power payback for his anti-gay slur? After bashing his noggin on a courtside chair or spectator’s knee, did the Lakers guard bark bigoted names at the team trainer or fan? Probably not—and that’s the main problem with Bryant’s earlier disgusting and discriminatory display.

As often happens during these types of fiascos, people snarled that the Kobe haters were overly sensitive, politically-correct liberals. Or worse. Of course, these condemning critics never consider the possibility that they may be revealing insensitivity, political incorrectness and Tea Party tendencies. Or worse.

Bryant entered the league in 1996. He is a professional athlete—accent on professional—who should completely understand that lots of cameras are recording his every move and mouth-off while in the stadium. What was Bryant attempting to do by hollering at the referee to begin with? Does he believe he is so entitled that officials ought to halt a game and contemplate his opinion on anything?

Remember, the arrogant All-Star didn’t merely utter an anti-gay slur. It was preceded by the F-bomb, which Bryant should also know is a big no-no during broadcasts. Please don’t insist that the proposed penalty is too excessive. As the man earns about $25,806,250 per season—and tons more in endorsements—the $100,000 fine is like Joe Public dropping a few dollars into the company swear jar.

Bryant is fluent in multiple languages. Plus, he is extraordinarily articulate for an athlete. He picks his words carefully. The superstar has joked about cussing at refs in Serbian. He had a wide variety of naughty phrases at his disposal, yet his ultimate selection mirrored the eruptions of Michael Richards, Don Imus and Mel Gibson.

Yes, Bryant has a reputation for arguing with officials. But no one has ever suggested he attend anger management training like, say, teammate Ron Artest. The presumption is that Bryant is in control. He’s aware of what he does and says.

Bryant responded in ridiculous fashion after causing the initial stir. He said, “The comment that I made, even though it wasn’t meant in the way it was perceived to be, is nonetheless wrong, so it’s important to own that.” However, he’s appealing the $100k fine.

Bryant added, “The concern that I have is for those that follow what I say and are inspired by how I play or look to me as a role model or whatever it is, for them not to take what is said as a message of hate or a license to degrade or embarrass or tease. That’s something I don’t want to see happen.” Um, hurling vulgar slurs at an official is disrespect—which could fall into the same category as degradation, embarrassment or teasing.

And like it or not, with his choice of curses, Bryant appeared to show latent homophobia. You don’t need a referee to call it.

8316: Men Behaving Badly—Albeit Typically.

Monday Morning MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• The Navy is investigating videos showing the crew of an aircraft carrier engaging in hijinks replete with gay slurs, suggestive shower scenes and more—starring the ship’s second in command. Navy Cmdr. Chris Sims declared that the videos “were not acceptable then and are not acceptable in today’s Navy.” No word yet from Village People.

• ESPN broadcaster Ron Franklin was yanked from the air after referring to ESPN sideline reporter Jeannine Edwards as “sweetcakes” during an off-air confrontation. The tiff began at a pre-production meeting including Franklin, Edwards and ESPN announcer Rod Gilmore. While talking about Gilmore’s wife being elected mayor of Alameda, California, Edwards tried to join the discussion but was clipped by Franklin. “Why don’t you leave this to the boys, sweetcakes,” Franklin told Edwards. “Don’t call me sweetcakes, I don’t like being talked to like that,” replied Edwards. Franklin snapped, “OK then, asshole.” No word yet regarding the full extent of Franklin’s punishment. However, the Navy will likely express interest in hiring him to call games.

Essay 4416

Watching paint dry in a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• Mattel recalled 800,000 Chinese-made toys for excessive amounts of lead paint. It’s the third recall for the toymaker this summer. Maybe they should introduce a toy lead painter’s kit.

• Jerry Lewis is backpedaling over an anti-gay comment he made during his annual telethon. While performing a freestyle ramble with a cameraman, Lewis joked, “Oh, your family has come to see you. … You remember Bart, your older son. … Jesse, the illiterate faggot.” Lewis later said, “I apologize to anyone who was offended. … Everyone who knows me understands that I hold no prejudices in this regard. That something like this would distract from the true purpose of the telethon pains me deeply.” Next year’s telethon celebrity lineup will include Isaiah Washington and Sen. Larry Craig.