I wouldn't say it was the deepest secret in the NBA.
Disgraced former NBA referee Tim Donaghy alleged in a 2010 interview that Kennedy was gay and “had no love for Doc Rivers and the Boston Celtics,” because of a comment Rivers allegedly made about Kennedy’s sexual orientation. Rondo, obviously was a member of that Celtics team.
Donaghy Claim: Bill Kennedy’s sexuality at root of hatred for Doc | Red's Army - The Voice of Boston Celtics Fans