Bill Kennedy knows that a microphone can be used for more than announcing a basketball decision. Sometimes, apparently, it calls for a little hospitality first.
During the October 7 preseason game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Indiana Pacers at Iowa State, the veteran referee began his review announcement by welcoming the crowd and thanking them for supporting NBA basketball. Then he explained the ruling.
As Outsports reports, the offensive foul had been overturned to a blocking foul. The moment was shared by Bleacher Report, giving fans another example of Kennedy’s distinctive approach to the microphone.
You can understand the appeal without understanding the call. There is something enjoyable about a person bringing a little warmth to a job that often involves delivering news people do not want to hear.
Kennedy also has a history that matters beyond those entertaining announcements. In December 2015, he publicly came out after being targeted with homophobic abuse by player Rajon Rondo. Speaking to Yahoo Sports, Kennedy said: “I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man.”
His career has included officiating NBA Finals games. And his National Basketball Referees Association biography offers another detail that feels appropriate here: his hidden talent is karaoke. His favorite musician is Luther Vandross.
Those are delightful details about the person behind the uniform. They also give us a reason to enjoy this moment on its own terms: an experienced official, a crowd, a microphone and a little personality.
A man can be serious about his work and still make the announcement worth listening to. Kennedy seems quite comfortable doing both.
📷 NBA
Watch more LGBTQ+ stories on B-Gay on YouTube.