Hall of Fame Basketball Player Apologizes After Making a Joke During a Live Broadcast

NBA Hall of Fame basketball player Tim Hardaway apologized after realizing a joke he made during a live broadcast was inappropriate.

Hardaway made the comment during the broadcast of the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs game Monday night.

"Y’all thought that was great [defense], I thought that was just raping them," he said, adding, "I think you should’ve called the police on that."

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After realizing the remark was not appropriate, Hardaway apologized.

“Hey everybody, I used a poor choice of words earlier in the broadcast I wanna apologize for that," Hardaway said.

He added, "Let’s get back to the game and let’s finish the game off with a 30-point win and go home happy."

https://twitter.com/ClutchPointsApp/status/1592387274188402688

This is not the first time Hardaway made headlines for making a controversial statement.

"You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known," Hardaway said during a radio show in 2007.

He continued, "I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people. I am homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States."

Hardaway later apologized for the statement.

"As an African-American, I know all too well the negative thoughts and feelings hatred and bigotry cause," Hardaway said in a statement released by his agent at the time.

He added, "I regret and apologize for the statements that I made that have certainly caused the same kinds of feelings and reactions."

The hall of fame player then apologized to his "fans, friends and family in Miami and Chicago. I am committed to examining my feelings and will recognize, appreciate and respect the differences among people in our society."