CBA Team, Bald Guyz Cut Ties With Hardaway Following Anti-Gay Comments

Former NBAer Tim Hardaway issued a public apology Thursday for a series of anti-gay statements he made Wednesday on a Miami radio show. In a statement released by his agent, Hardaway said, “As an African-American, I know all too well the negative thoughts and feelings hatred and bigotry cause. I regret and apologize for the statements that I made that have certainly caused the same kinds of feelings and reactions. ... I am committed to examining my feelings and will recognize, appreciate and respect the differences among people in our society. I regret any embarrassment I have caused the league on the eve of [the All-Star Game]” (Mult., 2/16).

REMOVED FROM CBA JOB: Trinity Sports & Entertainment CEO Demetrius Ford said Hardaway has been removed, effective immediately, from his role as Chief Basketball Operations Advisor of the CBA Indiana Alley Cats. CBA Dir of Basketball Operations Dennis Truax said in a statement, “The CBA does not in any way condone or endorse the hateful comments made by Mr. Hardaway. ... [His] comments were unfortunate, hateful and are not the views of the CBA or any of its member teams” (THE DAILY).

BUSINESS INTERESTS AFFECTED: In Miami, Jackson & Rothaus report Hardaway has been dropped as a spokesperson of Bald Guyz, a company that makes grooming products. Bald Guyz CEO Howard Brauner said the company “does not discriminate based on lifestyle choice, color, education, financial resources, religion, physical capabilities or in any other way.” Hardaway was the first former pro athlete to endorse the company. Meanwhile, Jackson & Rothaus note over 20 people called Tim Hardaway’s U.S. 1 Car Wash in Miami to complain, but “customer flow had not dropped.” The manager of Tim Hardaway’s House of Wings in Coconut Grove did not comment (MIAMI HERALD, 2/16).

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