Gay ref

Bill Kennedy, one of the NBA's top referees, has revealed he is gay. "I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man," Kennedy told Yahoo Sports on Sunday night.

In December , Kennedy ejected Rajon Rondo from a game, and Rondo used a gay slur towards Kennedy, which resulted in a one-game suspension for Rondo. Kennedy later revealed that he is gay. Longtime NBA referee Bill Kennedy revealed to Yahoo Sports Sunday night that he is gay, making him the second openly gay active NBA official after Violet Palmer's announcement in After Rajon Rondo directed a gay slur toward referee Bill Kennedy during a Kings game on Dec.

3, Kennedy announced publicly that he's "proud to be a gay man.". NBA official Bill Kennedy revealed he is gay on Sunday evening, becoming the second openly homosexual referee in the league. A referee has spoken of his pride at becoming the first openly gay man to officiate a PDC World Darts Championship final as he oversaw Luke Littler's victory.

Huw hopes his success will help to break down barriers after "struggling at times" in the early stages of his career. He said he wants to "inspire the next generation" of players, officials or even fans and ensure that the sport he loves is a welcome space for everybody. Huw has been with the Professional Darts Corporation for eight years. He said it had been a "tough journey" at times as one of the few openly gay figures in the sport.

But what has been amazing to me is to have seen the changes that darts has gone through over the years, to a place now where it is a lot better than what it was when I first joined. Huw said that despite the issues he faced "days like yesterday mean it was worthwhile", adding that it was "the biggest day of my life".

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Especially sports such as darts which traditionally have a "macho" culture. We've all seen some of the vitriol that some players have got for coming out. It's important for a ref to put yourself forward as well. He remembers being "inspired" by fellow Welshman and Rugby World Cup referee, Nigel Owens , who revealed his sexuality in I felt like I had a lot in common with him.

I could look at him and say 'he has got to the pinnacle and so can I'. Huw added that darts, but also sport in general, still has some way to go to be inclusive for all. I hope that I can help to break down barriers for the next generation. Prior to officiating the final, Huw wrote on his blog that if he could say anything it would be to "gay boys or gay girls out there who are worried that their sexuality could close doors to worlds they would like to be in but no longer feel that they can, then that is not the case".

He added that "worlds, such as the sports world, were open to everybody both gay and straight, no matter who you are you can achieve in any world you want to, and most importantly, you can belong". Huw added that he had seen an increase in people interested in the sport across Wales. It was heaving with all the kids there playing darts.

So in terms of doubts of the sports and its future, it couldn't be in a more healthy place. For now, he will be reflecting on entering the history books after a gruelling couple of weeks calling the scores at the oche. I can't wait. Skip to content. Luke Littler ref makes history as gay darts official. Share Save. Huw Ware became the first openly gay referee to officiate a World Darts Championship final.