Tim Hardaway apologizes on air for insensitive comment during Run TMC Warriors broadcast
SAN FRANCISCO — The Warriors’ anticipated Run TMC reunion on Monday night required an on-air apology after Tim Hardaway made an insensitive reference to rape during the broadcast.
After a hard Spurs foul on Steph Curry mid-way through the third quarter of the Warriors’ win, Hardaway chimed in with a remark that ignited social media.
“Y’all thought that was great D, I thought he was just raping them,” Hardaway said. “Somebody gotta call the police.”
Late in the fourth quarter, Hardaway made an apology.
“I used a poor choice of words in the broadcast,” Hardaway said. “I apologize for that so let’s get back to the game and finish the game with a 30-point win and be happy.”
Hardaway, Chris Mullin and Mitch Richmond reunited to do commentary and play-by-play for the entire broadcast on Monday night. Until that comment, the broadcast was a breath of fresh air with the Run TMC trio — along with sideline reporter and former teammate Tom Tolbert — telling stories from their playing days and providing commentary on the game.
Hardaway was celebrated for his 2022 Hall of Fame induction in a video tribute between the first and second quarters. Hardaway’s election to the Hall was widely thought to be overdue, probably because of a homophobic rant during a radio show in 2007.