The NBA has fined Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards $40,000 for making anti-LGBTQ remarks in a video on his Instagram account.
In it, Edwards, who was in a automobile and being recorded, rolls down a automobile window and calls a gaggle of shirtless males “queer.”
The video, apparently from the weekend of Sept. 10, was posted to his Instagram account however quickly deleted. On Sept. 11, he posted a message of apology and regret on his Twitter account.
“What I mentioned was immature, hurtful, and disrespectful, and I’m extremely sorry,” mentioned Edwards, 21. “It’s unacceptable for me or anybody to make use of that language in such a hurtful approach, there’s no excuse for it, in any respect. I used to be raised higher than that!”
The NBA on Tuesday referred to as Edwards’ language “offensive and derogatory.”
The superb was in keeping with the NBA’s response to comparable conditions.
Kevin Durant was fined $50,000 final 12 months for homophobic and misogynistic personal messages despatched to actor Michael Rapaport, who posted them.
Durant, the Brooklyn Nets ahead, additionally apologized.
In 2011, the Chicago Bulls’ Joakim Noah was fined an analogous quantity for hurling an anti-gay slur at a fan.
Sports activities Equality Basis board member Anthony Nicodemo, who coaches highschool basketball in Yonkers, New York, mentioned the superb was mild and is probably not sufficient to alter gamers’ habits.
“When a league just like the NBA opts for a lightweight superb following an especially homophobic publish from one among their gamers it sends a message that this habits is allowable,” he mentioned by e mail Tuesday. “Rainbow jerseys and marching in Prides are impactful, however shortly canceled out if homophobic habits is allowed amongst gamers.”
NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar beneficial that Edwards volunteer for an LGBTQ group.
“I don’t suppose an apology — nonetheless heartfelt — is sufficient,” he wrote on his weblog. “Edwards must restore the harm with some voluntary group service with LGBTQ+ organizations, notably youth teams, to indicate his help.”
Edwards’ representatives didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark Tuesday night time.
He’s coming into his third season as a taking pictures guard for the Timberwolves, who beforehand reprimanded him.
“We’re disenchanted within the language and actions Anthony Edwards displayed on social media,” the crew’s president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, mentioned in an announcement. “The Timberwolves are dedicated to being an inclusive and welcoming group for all and apologize for the offense this has brought about to so many.”
