Perth Wildcats Corey Webster Stood Down Over An Online Post About LGBTQI+ Community
As a result of an abusive post that Corey Webster made online that targeted members of the LGBTQI+ community, the Perth Wildcats have decided to bench star guard Webster for their game against the Adelaide 36ers.
As a result of Corey Webster's disrespectful tweet directed toward the LGBTQI+ community, the Perth Wildcats have reconsidered their decision to play him against the Adelaide 36ers on Tuesday night and have decided to bench him for the game.
On Sunday, Webster posted the phrase "mental illness" underneath an image of the flag that was followed by the question "What's the first thing that comes to mind when you see this flag?" Later that day, Webster erased the phrase "mental illness" from his post.
On Monday, he issued an apology while the Wildcats, the NBL, and the greater community voiced their disapproval of his insensitive remark.
After having additional discussions with their star guard, the Wildcats decided to release a statement on Tuesday afternoon declaring that the organisation had made the decision to take a more forceful approach.
It was decided that Webster would not participate in the NBL Blitz game that would take place on Tuesday against a 36ers team that included Isaac Humphries, who is the only openly homosexual player in the NBL.
"Both parties have agreed that upon further reflection, the decision is appropriate," read the statement released by Perth.
"Webster would like to extend his apology one more time since he is aware of the consequences of his conduct and the possible damage that words like these might create.
"Having expressed sincere disappointment in his comments, the club will continue to use this incident as a learning experience for the wider playing group and staff to further educate on inclusiveness," which is one of the key values that we stand for as an organisation. "Having expressed sincere disappointment in his comments,"
Before closing down his X account on Monday morning, Webster also put the message 'PROTECT THE CHILDREN' in all capital letters on his account.
After writing an internet article that disparaged the LGBTQI+ Rainbow Pride flag and causing outrage in the community, the 34-year-old pleaded for forgiveness from the community.
In a statement that was distributed by the Wildcats on Monday afternoon, Webster was quoted as saying, "While it most certainly wasn't my intent, I understand the hurt my comments have caused, and I am sincerely sorry for this."
"I will take a break from social media and use that time to better educate myself on the impact comments such as this can make on individuals I may have offended." "It wasn't how I intended my comments to be perceived, and I will take a break from social media."