New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns isn’t the only athlete to be subjected to ignorant and homophobic rhetoric on the internet, but he’s probably endured it for as long as any other player in the NBA.
Towns is often criticized for being too sensitive, too soft and even flamboyant. He’s dominated the 2026 NBA Finals so far against the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 19.5 points and 12.5 rebounds per game in the first two contests.
The first thing stupid fans think to post on X is another ridiculous comment about his sexuality.
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The poster claiming that Towns has turned into a Dirk Nowitzki-esque player because he’s motivated by Pride Month is another nonsensical joke done for engagement on social media, but it’s nothing he hasn’t seen before.
ESPYs host Shane Gillis made a joke about Towns’ sexuality during last year’s summer awards show on ESPN, making a remark poking at Town’s supposed femininity.
PrizePicks, a fantasy sports platform, posted in May about Towns posting a “zesty a** triple double” after a great performance earlier in this year’s NBA Playoffs. That term is used to describe things that are gay.
Karl-Anthony Towns is the bigger man, supporting gay fans
Despite all of the unfair comments, snide remarks and potshots directed at KAT, the big man remains humble and possesses a heart of gold with no ill will towards LGBTQ people.
He once welcomed LGBTQ fans to a Minnesota Timberwolves Pride Night with a personal message and video.
He also posted a beautiful tribute to Jason Collins when the gay former center passed away after a battle with brain cancer last month. Collins was the first NBA player to come out as gay while still playing in the league.
Towns is the type of player who is hard not to root for. Seeing him drown out the haters and get within two wins of winning his first NBA championship is one of the best parts of the NBA Finals so far.
Whether or not the Knicks close out the series this week, the big man is a giant who lets his game — and open support of a community in need of supporters in pro sports — do the talking.
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