You know, when I was a kid, Tim Hardaway was one of my favorite players. He played for Golden State, which for some reason I can't remember had a few of my favorite players (Hardaway, Chris Mullin, Manute Bol), and his crossover dribble was filthy - it might have been the only basketball move I ever used successfully in a game. After I stopped playing basketball competitively and my interest in the game waned, however, so did my interest in Hardaway. I just didn't keep up with where he was and what he was doing with his career after a certain point.

On Wednesday afternoon, everyone knew where he was: on the radio with Dan LeBatard, giving his point of view on homosexuality and the thought of playing on the same team as a gay player:

"You know, I hate gay people, so let it be known...I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people. I am homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States."

I know there are differences between being a racist and being a homophobe (although they do have hate and intolerance in common), but give this fun little exercise a try: every time Hardaway mentions the word "gay" or "homophobic" in that fun little rant, insert "black" or "racist". Puts an interesting spin on things, don't it?

Dixie Walker Hardaway went on to tell LeBatard that he would not have wanted a gay player on the same team (or even the same locker room), but the best part was the "apology that was issued after the fact:

"Yes, I regret it. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said I hate gay people or anything like that...that was my mistake."

Note that his mistake wasn't in the way he felt, but in the fact that he dispensed those hate-filled opinions in a public forum. He's not sorry for feeling that way or for saying those things. He's sorry for getting caught.

ESPN's LZ Granderson and Bill Simmons have both said that Amaechi's coming out was no big deal, to talk to us when an active player takes that steps and risks the ridicule and hatred that comes with it. I used to agree, to a point - coming out is difficult, I'm sure, but Amaechi didn't have to worry about the backlash from his teammates, coaches and fans.

Now, I don't know...maybe Amaechi was right to wait until he did, even if the primary motive seems to driving book sales. Maybe he realized that even today, in this supposedly enlightened day and age, the hate might be too much to take for even the strongest of men.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go work on a new basketball move.

ESPN.com - NBA - Tim Hardaway says 'I hate gay people'