It appears that Tim Hardaway has really taken steps to educate himself and become more conscious and aware after his discriminatory comments.

That process began in earnest when he learned of the institute, which has classes and programs designed to raise awareness on issues facing "gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and all youth."

The group, founded in 1996, seeks to prevent teen suicides while boosting the self-esteem of children and keeping them free of violence and discrimination.

"I was scared out of my ... mind," Hardaway said of his first visit. "I didn't know how they were going to act toward me. But you know what? They welcomed me with open arms. That eased a lot of my nervousness."

So he went back a second time, then a third, then a fourth.

And that early apprehension is now gone. His photo appears on the group's Web site, smiling alongside some members of the institute's staff.

"We were surprised how real our relationship with Tim got," Fugate said.

He's now considered a friend there, and his presence is so valued that Fugate released a letter earlier this month touting the work Hardaway has done.

"Thanks to his honest albeit misguided reaction, Tim did find his way to YES Institute and the education he got was not just about others, but about himself," Fugate wrote. "Because he is a role model, perhaps other people will also learn -- hopefully before bad consequences happen to them."

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AgiivmMr_qJ7LNmoOO1taBe8vLYF?slug=ap-hardawayremarks&prov= ap&type=lgns

It's funny when you look at how other individuals have reacted to discrimination allegations and you see a huge difference in their approach.  He went quiet, didn't want any recognition for the work he did to educate himself and reach out to the community he offended, and to this day, still really wants to stay relatively under the radar to avoid the label of "making amends" and instead try to learn and become more conscious.  I gotta give him mad props for doing the right thing.

But seeing as how this is an internet blog, I am sure there are people dying to still bash him, so go right ahead ladies and gents cuz it's a free country!

(But seriously, I hope you don't, I 100% forgive the guy and am proud of how he dealt with the situation).