Amar'e Stoudemire Says He Would Try to Avoid a Gay Teammate

Former NBA All-Star Amar'e Stoudemire said in an interview Tuesday he would avoid a gay teammate.

According to ESPN.com, Stoudemire said the following in an interview with Israeli website Walla Sport: "I'm going to shower across the street, make sure my change of clothes are around the corner. And I'm going to drive—take a different route to the gym."

When asked if he was joking, Stoudemire said, "I mean, there's always a truth within a joke."

The 34-year-old forward is currently playing for Hapoel Jerusalem in the Israeli Basketball Premier League.

Per ESPN.com, Stoudemire was fined $50,000 in 2012 when he tweeted a gay slur.

Stoudemire's comments came just two days after he was given the Martin Luther King Jr. Award in Israel, according to Sam Kestenbaum of Forward.com. Those who "embody the spirit and ideals of Dr. King" and "promote diversity and tolerance" are considered for the award.

Stoudemire, who enjoyed his best years with the Phoenix Suns, is a co-owner of Hapoel Jerusalem and is in the first season of a two-year deal.