The Brooklyn Nets have been in NBA headlines as of late for winning games and increasing their championship odds. Kevin Durant, one of the team’s star players, has been in the media too, but for all the wrong reasons.
Last week, Michael Rapaport, who’s known for acting in TV shows likes Prison Break and Friends, revealed offensive remarks that Durant directly messaged him. Some of the remarks were homophobic, misogynistic and extremely profane.
“I receive threats and disgusting messages DAILY, but never in my wildest dreams did I think [Kevin Durant] would be among them,” Rapaport said in a tweet that included screenshots of what Durant said. “The [snake emoji] himself is now threatening me, bringing up my wife and wants to fight. This is supposed to be America’s sweetheart right?”
Kevin Durant confirmed that the screenshots were real, shortly after. However, he then took to Rapaport’s Instagram comments to “apologize.”
“I WOULD NEVER FIGHT MIKE,” Durant wrote on Instagram. “THE PORTNOY THING WAS TOO FAR I SEE… my bad I apologize.”
However, Durant’s apology hasn’t stopped basketball fans from wondering if the league suspend him or discipline him in some form.
Bovada has now released odds on whether the NBA will suspend Kevin Durant or not for the remarks.
Will Kevin Durant Be Suspended by the League or the Brooklyn Nets in April 2021?
Odds via Bovada as of Thursday, April 1
- Yes +200
- No -300
As of April 1, Bovada is leaning towards no suspension for Kevin Durant at -300. To set an idea of how the NBA has handled the issue in the past, there are a few examples.
Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 in 2011 for using a homophobic slur that was directed towards a referee. Bryant went on to apologize and said that he would learn from his mistakes.
Another example includes Los Angeles Clippers guard Rajon Rondo. Back in 2015, Rondo also used a homophobic slur against an official. Instead of being fined like Bryant was, Rondo was suspended for one game. While some wanted to see Rondo serve a longer suspension as one game seems like a slap on the wrist, it showed that the league was willing to do more than a fine.
Since then, the NBA has made an effort to work with LGBTQ organizations to make the sport more welcoming for all people. Any tolerance of what Kevin Durant said could put some of those partnerships in jeopardy.
However, seeing how the league has handled the issue in the past, it seems unlikely that Durant will be suspended by the league. However, that means the decision could fall to the Nets. If they want to set a precedent to their roster, Durant could face some sort of punishment. Although, only time will tell.
