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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards apologizes for posting homophobic Instagram clip, insisting he’s ‘working to get better’ and will do ‘whatever it takes to make it right’
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Minnesota Timberwolves security guard Anthony Edwards has apologized for his use of homophobic language in an Instagram video shared to reporters earlier this month during Monday’s NBA media day.
Earlier this month, the guard posted the video from his car on social media, in which he zooms in on a group of shirtless men on the sidewalk. Commenting over the top of the clip, Edwards can be heard saying, ‘Look at these queer a** n****s, man. Look at the world I’ve come to.’
In a 32-second clip shared by ESPN, the 21-year-old expressed remorse for his language in the now-deleted video.
“I respect everyone,” Edwards said. “I know what I posted was immature, and I’m sorry if I hurt anyone. I work with the team and I’m sorry to all Minnesota fans. I’m working on getting better.”
Asked if he’d recognized whether his choice of words was “hurtful” and whether he was making any effort to avoid spreading derogatory language on social media, Edwards replied: “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make it right.” , show everyone that I come with respect.’
“That’s not who I am, I’m willing to go as far as it takes,” added the one-year-old Georgia Bulldog. “Now it makes me think before I do anything. I’ve learned that you have to think before you speak and that things can be taken away in the blink of an eye. Words hurt people and I just need to get better.
Minnesota Timberwolves security guard Anthony Edwards apologized in front of reporters during NBA Media Day on Monday for homophobic language in a since-deleted Instagram post
Edwards posted a clip to his Instagram where he filmed a group of shirtless men making a homophobic comment while a woman was heard laughing
The No. 1 draft pick’s public apology comes two weeks after he described his own comments on Twitter as “hurtful” and “unacceptable.”
“It is unacceptable for me or anyone else to use that language in such a hurtful way, there is no excuse at all. I was raised better than that!” Edwards continued on Sept. 11.
The Timberwolves also apologized for the offense caused by Edwards’ actions, stressing the team’s commitment to inclusivity.
“We are disappointed with the language and actions Anthony Edwards has shown on social media,” the team said in a statement last week attributed to team president Tim Connelly.
Edwards previously apologized on his Twitter account, calling the comments ‘unacceptable’
“The Timberwolves are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming organization for all and apologize for the offense this has caused to so many.”
The NBA has since fined Edwards $40,000 with League Operations chairman Byron Spruell confirming that the league has fined Edwards for “using abusive and derogatory language on social media.”
The brief statement also revealed that the 21-year-old has admitted his actions were inappropriate.
The league has previously fined players for using homophobic or abusive language.
He was fined $40,000 for his inappropriate language and Minnesota has apologized
As reported by The Star Tribune, Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant was slapped with a $50,000 fine in April 2021 after actor Michael Rapoport shared screenshots showing insulting statements Durant made against him.
Elsewhere, Kobe Bryant and Rajon Rondo have also been fined for using homophobic statements during NBA games.
In his career, Edwards will soon enter his third season in the NBA after graduating from Georgia in 2020.
He was an NBA All-Rookie First Teamer in 2021 and played in 72 games for the Timberwolves in both 2020-21 and 2021-22, as well as six playoff games in 2022.
Those playoff games came in a first-round defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies, despite Edwards’ 30-point, 5-rebound, 5-assist, 2-steal, and 2-block outing in Game 6.