In 2011, Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 for calling an official a "f*cking f*ggot". Now two years later in spite of Hibbert issuing a "sincere apology" he was fined just $25,000 fewer than Bryant. Did he deserve to be fined although he apologized? If so, was the fine too severe?
I think the fine could have been $50,000 but I definitely think he deserved to be fined. Hibbert made this comment during a nationally televised interview, that many outlets likely ran live, while not only representing the Pacers organization but the international brand which is the NBA. You simply cannot say things like that. With millions of fans watching, who knows how may he may have offended if not a reporter in that very room. Letting the slur go without league action implies that the NBA tolerates that kind of speech and/or supports homophobic mentalities Hibbert may also have children out there that look up to him that may have taken his comment as justification in publicly making homophobic slurs of that nature or go on to adapt a homophobic mentality.
The First Amendment does include free speech but the NBA is a private company which gives them the right to discipline those that work for them in any way they see fit. This explains why coaches and players are fined for commenting on officiating. I'm sure Hibbert sincerely did not mean to offend anyone but as a professional and public figure he has to learn that you cannot say everything that comes to mind, comical and innocent or not. What better way to remind himself than with a $75,000 receipt.
If you missed the interview, check it out below (starts at :25):
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