By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard issued an apologetic statement on his Instagram profile for using an anti-semitic slur while he was playing an online video game.
“I am deeply sorry for using an antisemitic slur during a livestream yesterday. While I didn’t know what the word meant at the time, my ignorance about its history and how offensive it is to the Jewish community is absolutely not an excuse and I was just wrong. I am now more aware of its meaning and I am committed to properly seeking out people who can help educate me about this type of hate and how we can fight it.”
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Leonard was heard saying ““F–king cowards, don’t f–ing snipe me you fucking kike bitch,” during a Twitch stream of him playing “Call of Duty.” Leonard mentioned that he was unaware that the word “kike” is an anti-Jewish derogatory slur.
The Heat announced that Leonard will be placed on indefinite leave while condemning the use of the word and saying that they won’t “tolerate any hateful language.”
The NBA reacted via spokesman Mike Bass who stated “We just became aware of the video and are in the process of gathering more information. The NBA unequivocally condemns all forms of hate speech.”