Last December, after being ejected from a game by referee Bill Kennedy, point guard Rajon Rondo yelled a gay slur at the official prior to being removed from the floor. Rondo was hit with a one-game suspension following the outburst, but that wasn’t the end of the story.
Almost immediately after the incident, Kennedy revealed he was a gay man who hadn’t made his orientation public. Rondo didn’t know that at the time of the slur, but amid the headlines, Kennedy saw the opportunity to acknowledge the truth, and he took it. He released this statement to Yahoo Sports to come out publicly:
"I am proud to be an NBA referee and I am proud to be a gay man. I am following in the footsteps of others who have self-identified in the hopes that will send a message to young men and women in sports that you must allow no one to make you feel ashamed of who you are."
Kennedy left that matter there, not offering any more comments on the issue. Yet, leading up to his next game, the official was filled with anxiety he hadn’t experienced since his first games as a pro ref. He hadn’t spoken further to the press, but he knew he had far more attention on him than a typical ref does in light of recent events.
One of the teams playing that night was the San Antonio Spurs, and head coach Gregg Popovich approached Kennedy to offer his support and admiration to the now-openly-gay ref.
Kennedy relayed his comments in this ESPN profile of the ref. He recalls Popovich telling him, “You have more guts, you have more balls than anybody I know. You have more courage than anybody I know. Now, go out there and kick ass.”
Kennedy followed up that comment with details very characteristic of Pop, saying, “Then he walked away. He didn't say a word to me for the rest of the game."
Popovich has a reputation for being among the grumpiest personalities in all of sports, but he’s also known to speak honestly and lovingly to people he respects and cares for. It’s clear, after his words have been made public, how he views Bill Kennedy.
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This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.