Perth Wildcats guard and three-time NBL champion Corey Webster has apologised for an "insensitive and harmful" comment on social media regarding the rainbow pride flag.
Webster responded to a Twitter post on Sunday night that posed the question: "What's the first thing that comes to mind when you see this (pride) flag?"
In a comment in response to the post, the 34-year-old wrote: "Mental illness".
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Webster soon deleted his comment, but not before a screenshot circulated online. The Auckland native then locked his account.
The Wildcats took immediate action, investigating the incident and releasing a statement with Webster on Monday.
"While it certainly wasn't my intent, I understand the hurt my comments have caused and I am sincerely sorry for this," Webster said in the statement.
"It wasn't how I intended my comments to be perceived and 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."
Webster and the Wildcats statement came as the NBL also issued an apology while criticising the star's comments.
"The league is disappointed with his comments, which were insensitive and harmful," NBL CEO David Stevenson said in the statement.
"We want the NBL to be a safe and inclusive environment at all times and encourage the greater inclusion and wellbeing of LGBTQ players, members and fans."
The controversial comment comes days before the Wildcats face the Adelaide 36ers in a pre-season match.
One of the 36ers players is Isaac Humphries, who in November 2022, came out as the first openly gay player in the league.
The NBL further cemented their support of "inclusion and diversity" in their game, as they look ahead to their second annual Champion Pride Round in 2023.
"The community is critical in supporting inclusion and diversity in our society and we all must work together to encourage everyone to be themselves," Stevenson added.
"There will always be challenges when stances and beliefs conflict with one another, but as an organisation we are committed to working together and supporting one another, with respect at all times."
Webster scored 12 points in 23 minutes of game time on Sunday, in his side's 102-95 win over Cairns.
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