Former Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas has apologized to former NBA star Luol Deng for comments he made about the South Sudan basketball team, which were seen by some as xenophobic.
Arenas faced backlash for his derogatory comments about the team, which nearly defeated Team USA in an exhibition match last week in London.
“We almost lost to the Ahi Ahi tribe. This is insane, [Joel] “Embiid over there, throwing the game for his cousins and s***,” Arenas said after the loss. He also mimicked a blow dart and took a shot at the quality of life in South Sudan, saying they “get their shoes from America” and that they “don’t even have basketball hoops… they’re shooting peach baskets in the dirt.”
Deng, the president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, lashed out at Arenas in a post on Instagram.
“Moments like these are not meant for anger and lashing out. Many Africans and black people who embrace their African heritage are working hard to bring all black people closer together by educating and sharing stories and historical moments, and learning that we have much more in common than we have differences,” Deng’s message read.
Gilbert Arenas has apologized to South Sudan’s Luol Deng for his ‘disrespectful remarks’
South Sudan nearly pulled off a huge upset against Team USA during a practice match in London
Deng called Arenas’ comments “disrespectful and cruel” before continuing: “Personally, I don’t really care. I would never want to trade places with anyone; being African is special. But for young African and African-American kids who admire and listen to Gilbert, these comments can make you think less of yourself and the rest of the world think less of Africans.
“Those who are easily misled may make comments that reflect more self-hatred than pride. There is nothing in our history that we should run from.”
Deng thanked Arenas and another former NBA player who made similar comments, Paul Pierce, for “providing a platform to respond and inform others.”
“We’ve worked very hard these past four years to be here, and we can’t let a few seconds take that away from us. Instead, let’s appreciate the moment and use these comments as an opportunity to educate. Being loved is always better than being tolerated.”
After Arenas heard of Deng’s comment, he posted his apology on his Instagram story.
‘@luoldeng9 I respect you as a player and will do so as a coach. (Sorry for my disrespectful remarks) Good luck, but not enough luck to win gold. ‘Silver’ is all yours.’