Former Nets Center Criticizes LGBTQ+ Movement

Ilic and Kasun's podcast comments spark backlash over anti-LGBTQ+ views

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted colors representing the complex and fractured nature of the debate around LGBTQ+ inclusion in the NBA.The divisive comments from former NBA players highlight the ongoing tensions around LGBTQ+ issues in professional sports.Chicago Today

In a recent podcast episode, former NBA player Mile Ilic and his guest Mario Kasun made controversial comments criticizing the LGBTQ+ movement, with Ilic describing it as 'awful' and agreeing with Kasun's views. The comments have drawn widespread criticism, with the former players' remarks echoing those that led to another NBA player, Jaden Ivey, being waived by the Chicago Bulls.

Why it matters

The NBA has made strides in recent years to be more inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ+ players and fans, so these comments from former players go against the league's efforts to promote diversity and acceptance. The remarks also highlight the ongoing debate around LGBTQ+ issues in professional sports and society.

The details

In the podcast episode, Kasun and Ilic discussed a range of topics, including politics, race relations, and the LGBTQ+ movement. Kasun made several disparaging comments about the LGBTQ+ community, saying they should 'keep it behind closed doors' and that he doesn't 'go around with a **** and hit people in the head with it on the street.' Ilic agreed with Kasun's views, describing the LGBTQ+ movement as 'awful' and criticizing pro-European governments for 'funding it so much.'

  • The podcast episode was recorded and released in April 2026.

The players

Mile Ilic

A former NBA player who spent a brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets and now hosts a podcast called 'Jao Mile.'

Mario Kasun

A former NBA player who played for the Orlando Magic and was a guest on Ilic's podcast.

Jaden Ivey

An NBA player who was recently waived by the Chicago Bulls due to his controversial views on the LGBTQ+ movement.

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What they’re saying

“Brother, keep it behind closed doors. Now they've started to appear in everything. They're trying to get into schools, [and teach] 10-year-olds talking about transgenders, gays or lesbians. Well bro, keep it behind closed doors. Call me old-fashioned, I have gay friends and everything, but I don't go around with a **** and hit people in the head with it on the street.”

— Mario Kasun, Former NBA Player

“Yeah, they have such a need to show that what they're already doing is okay. Awful, bro, awful. And what's worst is, most of these pro-European governments are funding it so much.”

— Mile Ilic, Former NBA Player

What’s next

The NBA and its players' association have not yet commented on Ilic and Kasun's remarks. It remains to be seen if there will be any disciplinary action or public response from the league.

The takeaway

These comments from former NBA players highlight the ongoing tensions and debates around LGBTQ+ issues in professional sports. While the league has made progress in recent years, there are still pockets of resistance and intolerance that the NBA will need to continue addressing to foster a truly inclusive environment for all players and fans.