An NBA photographer was terminated for posting an inappropriate and sexist meme of Senator Kamala Harris, Joe Biden’s running mate, according to USA Today.
The photographer, Bill Baptist, is an independent contractor working out of Houston, Texas. The photographer had worked with the Houston Rockets for over 30 years.
WNBA and college basketball legend Sheryl Swoopes went to her Facebook account
to show her disgust.“So this guy works for the NBA but covers the Houston Rockets. Has been around for a while. Even worked for the Houston Comets. It’s amazing how people will smile in your face but eventually their true colors will show.”
A spokesperson for the NBA had issued the following statement to Houston’s KPRC 2 regarding the matter: “The photographer is an independent contractor and his services are no longer being used in Orlando.”
KPRC 2 stated that they had also received an apology and written statement from Baptist:
“I deeply regret posting on my Facebook page a phrase that I saw and copied from others as a sample of some people’s reactions to Biden’s selection of Senator Harris as his choice for VP. The phrase I posted does not reflect my personal views at all. I should not have been so insensitive to post the statements by others. I sincerely apologize to all of those who have rightfully been offended and I have taken the post down from my FB page. It was a horrible mistake on my part.”