Perth Wildcats’ triple NBL champion Corey Webster has apologised for linking the LGBTQ group to psychological sickness
Webster responded to a social media remark with the LGBTQI+ rainbow flag and the query: “What’s the very first thing that involves thoughts whenever you see this flag?”
In a Sunday evening remark later deleted, Webster commented: “Psychological sickness.”
“Whereas it actually wasn’t my intent, I perceive the damage my feedback have induced and I’m sincerely sorry for this,” Webster mentioned in a press release issued by the Wildcats.
“It wasn’t how I supposed my feedback to be perceived and I’ll take a break from social media and use that point to higher educate myself on the influence feedback equivalent to this will make on people I could have offended.”
NBL chief government David Stevenson described Webster’s remark as “insensitive and dangerous”.
“We would like the NBL to be a secure and inclusive setting always and encourage the larger inclusion and wellbeing of LGBTQ gamers, members and followers,” Stevenson mentioned.
“The group is important in supporting inclusion and variety in our society and all of us should work collectively to encourage everybody to be themselves.”
Webster, 34, posted his remark hours after taking part in in Perth’s 102-95 pre-season win in opposition to Cairns on the Gold Coast.
The much-travelled New Zealand star featured in three NBL titles with the Breakers earlier than transferring to Perth final June.
Wildcats chief Richard Simkiss mentioned the membership was “actually disenchanted in these feedback and have made this clear to Corey”.
“They don’t mirror our values, and we have now dedicated to working with Corey to assist educate him concerning the hurt such feedback can convey,” he mentioned.
“As a group pushed membership, we stand for inclusiveness and have strongly supported the NBL’s Satisfaction Spherical. We look ahead to selling this initiative once more within the upcoming season. Our values are clear – we wish to convey folks collectively in a optimistic manner and we perceive our accountability as leaders in the neighborhood to reside these values each on and off the court docket.”
