Mark Cuban is 'proud of' NBA ref Bill Kennedy

With NBA referee Bill Kennedy revealing that he is gay, the basketball world has almost universally applauded Kennedy for his decision to come out to the public.

In particular, outspoken Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban voiced his support of Kennedy.

"I’m proud of him," Cuban said prior to Monday’s game between the Mavs and Phoenix Suns. "He represents the NBA as well as anybody that puts on a uniform — official or player."

Cuban also said that the Mavs have specific rules in place for players for such an issue.

"Our players do have a specific decorum," Cuban said. "You can show emotions, but there’s certain words you can’t use."

Cuban also added that if Mavs players fail to adhere to those team rules, they would face a fine from the organization.

Kennedy, who chose to make his sexual orientation public after the NBA suspended Sacramento Kings point guard Rajon Rondo one game for using a slur toward the referee, is the second NBA official to come out publicly. The other is longtime referee Violet Palmer, who came out publicly in the summer of 2014.