Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers denied rumors that he ever used a homophobic slur at longtime NBA referee Bill Kennedy on Monday, via NBC Sports' Dan Feldman:

“That was not true,” Rivers said. “Sometimes, I hope I have more credibility than where that came from.

“Bill and I have a great relationship. But that’s been out there forever, and I would say this: It’s funny that it’s out there any nobody really asked me the question, because they knew. Not saying you shouldn’t ask the question, but it’s amazing nowadays that all you have to do is blog something or write something, and then it takes on its own life.”

Earlier Monday, Kennedy came out as gay in an interview with Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, who reported that Sacramento Kings guard Rajon Rondo's one-game suspension was for directing an ati-gay slur at Kennedy during a game against the Celtics on Dec. 3.

Five years ago, disgraced former referee Tim Donaghy outed Kennedy on a radio show and claimed that Rivers "questioned his sexuality" during a game when he was coaching the Boston Celtics, leading to a longstanding feud between the two. Since these rumors have been around awhile, Kennedy can choose to either clear Rivers' name or not.

It's worth noting that when Jason Collins came out after playing for Rivers in Boston, the coach had nothing but positive things to say about it. 

Doc Rivers speaks to Bill Kennedy.  (USATSI)
Doc Rivers speaks to Bill Kennedy. (USATSI)