The Truth Hurts for Tim Hardaway and John Amaechi

On Wednesday, Hardaway appeared on Dan LeBatard's radio show in Miami and made the mistake of honestly responding to a question raised by John Amaechi's recent coming out.

How, LeBatard wanted to know, would Hardaway react to having an openly gay teammate?

The former point guard didn't exactly beat around the bush in answering.

"First of all, I wouldn't want him on my team. And second of all if he was on my team, I'd really distance myself from him."

When told by LeBatard that his comments were "homophobic" and "bigoted," Hardaway took his honesty to a level rarely heard in public.

"I hate gay people. I let it be known. I don't like gay people. I don't like to be around gay people. I'm homophobic. I don't like it. There shouldn't be a world or (a place) in the United States for it. I don't like it."

For his part, Tim later apologized for his comments. But his time might have been better spent calling former Atlanta Braves closer John Rocker for advice on how to handle the impending media storm.

David Stern's reaction? The NBA Commissioner banned Hardaway from making appearances on behalf of the Association after hearing his remarks.

Tough punishment for a guy who was only telling the truth.

Now, I don't condone Hardaway's views—but I do applaud his honesty. In a sports world where what you see is rarely what you get, Tim stood his ground and told LeBatard exactly how he felt, even if his views weren't "acceptable."

To anyone upset because I'm praising Hardaway: You're fooling yourself if you think that there aren't more players who feel the same way he does. Unlike Hardaway, though, active players have to worry about losing endorsement deals before voicing their true opinions on the subject.

And heck: Even John Amaechi appreciated Hardaway's honesty.

"Finally, someone who is honest," Amaechi said. "It is ridiculous, absurd, petty, bigoted, and shows a lack of empathy that is gargantuan and unfathomable. But it is honest. And it illustrates the problem better than any of the fuzzy language other people have used so far."

Amaechi for one seems to understand the importance of honesty here. His honesty in coming out has forced professional athletes—and sports fans—to come to terms with their own prejudices.

Tim Hardaway's honesty, on the other hand, has shown us that prejudice is prejudice, whether it's based on color or sexual orientation.

Hardaway might not realize it, but his honesty may go a long way towards helping to create a world in which "gay" players will come to be known simply, and justly, as players.

Before that can happen, though, we've all got to face the truth—and as long as people like Tim Hardaway are vilified for speaking their minds, we won't be anywhere near where we need to go.

As it stands, it might be true that your parents and teachers told you that honesty was always the best policy—but guess what:

They were lying.