Who is in the Bill Kennedy Family? Bill recently gained people’s interest by going viral for his extra flourish in reviewing instant replay calls.
As an NBA staff official, the American professional basketball referee has officiated 1,358 regular-season games over 24 seasons.
NBA referee Bill has a reputation as an extremely positive and supportive official for every player, irrespective of their sexuality.
William Gene Kennedy, aka Bill Kennedy, was born on November 10, 1966, in Phoenix, Arizona, United States.
Kennedy graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix, Arizona, and attended Arizona State University.
Starting as an NBA referee during the 1995-96 season, he also officiated the 1995 and 1996 CBA Finals.
Furthermore, he officiated five NBA Finals games, the 2010 FIBA World Championships, and the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Considering his most memorable NBA assignment, Bill Kennedy points to his first NBA Finals in 2010 Game.
Who Are In Bill Kennedy Family? NBA Referee Coming Out As Gay
Bill has not disclosed anyone in his family, including his parents. The only identifiable members of his family are his short-term or long-term companions. Bill openly embraces his identity as a gay individual.
In an on-and-off relationship, he was involved with a man named Scott Fordham. Allegedly, Bill and Scott met at a karaoke bar in Toronto.
The two traveled regularly on the road, and many NBA referees spent time with them.
Similarly, some sources claim Bill is married but hasn’t disclosed his husband to anyone.
Furthermore, there is no information indicating that he has any children.
Before openly identifying as gay, Bill harbored a fear of losing his job. After some individuals in the NBA began using homophobic names to address him, he decided to come out.
Upon coming out, he received widespread support from the entire NBA community. Glenn Rivers was fined $25,000 by the NBA for directing gay slurs at Kennedy after a game in 2009.
In December 2015, during a game, Kennedy ejected Rajon Rondo for allegedly using a gay slur. This incident resulted in a one-game suspension for Rondo.
This event proved to be the tipping point for Kennedy, prompting him to give an interview where he openly discussed his sexuality.
Speaking to Yahoo Sports, he stated, “I am proud to be an NBA referee, and I am proud to be a gay man.”
Similarly, he stated that he followed the footsteps of others who had openly identified themselves and wanted to send a message to young men and women in sports not to let anybody make them feel ashamed about who they are.
The Support For Humanity
The NBA referee is known for his fun-loving and hilarious personality. In addition to his humor, Bill is also recognized as an extremely kind individual.
During the COVID pandemic, Kennedy collaborated with an Italian restaurant and the NBA to donate 100 meals catered by Carrabba’s in Peoria to night shift frontline workers at Banner Thunderbird Hospital.
Moreover, one of the nurses there described Bill as a kind individual. He also donated masks to the patients and their families.
Similarly, following the recent mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Colorado, Kennedy came forward to speak out against the heinous crime.
He offered condolences to the families of the victims, labeling it a hate crime, and urged people to speak out against it.
