Kings' Rondo issues stronger apology for gay slur toward ref

Criticized for his non-apology to openly gay NBA ref Bill Kennedy Monday, Rajon Rondo offered a stronger apology. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

Sacramento, Calif. (AP) — Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo has offered a stronger apology for directing a gay slur at veteran NBA referee Bill Kennedy.

Rondo said Monday his actions toward Kennedy on Dec. 3 were out of frustration and not meant to offend anyone.

Rondo issued a statement Tuesday addressing those who viewed his initial statement as a non-apology. He said: "I want to be clear, from the bottom of my heart that I am truly sorry for what I said to Bill. There is no place on or off the court for language that disrespects anyone's sexual orientation. That is not who I am or what I believe and I will strive every day to be a better person."

Kennedy told Yahoo Sports he is gay.

Rondo is serving a one-game suspension.

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The Gayly – December 15, 2015 @ 4:45 p.m.