In the rafters of American Airlines Arena next season, fans will be able to see the jerseys of the greatest of all time, the ultimate warrior and now arguably the most vocal bigot in NBA history.
Pat Riley announced Thursday that the Miami Heat will retire Tim Hardaway's No. 10 jersey some time next season, ensuring it will never be worn again by a Heat player.
Heat fans should have known somthing was up after news recently leaked that Hardaway was taking part in an event touting the virtues of being gay.
Hardaway, who has been hiding under a rock for the past two and a half years after comments he made denouncing homosexuality, will join Alonzo Mourning as the only Heat players whose numbers were retired by the franchise. The Heat also retired Michael Jordan's No. 23.
"We feel that Tim has been one of those building blocks and one of those players who has done us proud and we feel he is most deserving of having this special honor,'' said Heat president and former coach Pat Riley.
What Riley is really saying is he hopes people have forgotten Hardaway's loudest mistake.
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As player for 13 years, Hardaway was the floor general and fun face of the Heat. He's the franchises all-time leader in assists (2,867), three-point field goals made (806) and three-point field goals attempted (2,263).
He may also hold the franchise distinctions of best trash talker, most ankles broken and most clutch shots made.
But all his exploits on the court were overshadowed by a one-minute outburst in February 2007.
On a local radio show, Hardaway said he hated gay people and that they didn't deserve to live on the planet Earth. The backlash was quick as Hardaway's trade mark crossover.
Sponsors treated him like a leper. The NBA pulled him from any league-sponsored events. The Heat even treated him like an outcast.
Hardaway lost his local businesses and faded into obscurity, before resurfacing recently with a gayer outlook on life.
The Tim Hardaway Foundation is co-sponsoring an event this weekend on South Beach to help steer at risk gay and lesbian youths from suicide.
A noble effort, if it is genuine and not just to get another recognition for No. 10.
The retirement is scheduled for Oct. 28 in the team's home opener against the New York Knicks.
