By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
South Sudan Basketball Federation president Luol Deng issued a response over some insulting and derogatory comments that were made on his national team by former NBA players Paul Pierce and Gilbert Arenas.
Here’s what Deng, a former veteran NBA player himself, wrote on Instagram:
I normally don’t pay attention to these type of comments, but as an African, a leader in my community, and the president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, I feel it is important to respond. This is for those who have asked about these comments, those who are offended by them, and everyone who has followed our story.
I’m not upset or angry at these ignorant remarks made by my former colleagues; I was more disappointed to see them coming from two individuals I’ve always respected. The comments made by Paul Pierce showed misinformation and a lack of research. However, he used it as a teachable moment to shed positivity once he was informed. Thank you to Paul Pierce for apologising, that i can respect.
Growing up, I heard many similar comments, and those very remarks are some of the things that motivated me to change the narrative. Africans now show solidarity and support for each other more than ever. Moments like this are not for us to get upset and lash out. Many Africans and Black people who embrace their African heritage are working hard to bring all Black people closer by educating and sharing stories and historic moments, teaching that we have much more in common than differences.
As for Gilbert’s comments, they were certainly more disrespectful and cruel. Personally, I don’t care much. I would never trade places with anyone; being African is special. However, for young African and African American kids who admire and listen to Gilbert, these comments can make you think less of yourself and make the rest of the world think less of Africans. Those who are easily misled may make comments that reflect self-hate more than pride. There is nothing about our history that we should run away from.
I actually want to thank both of them for giving us this platform to respond and inform others. We’ve worked very hard in the last four years to be here, and we can’t allow mere seconds to take that away. Instead, let’s appreciate the moment and use these comments as an opportunity to educate. Being loved is always better than being tolerated.
If we as a people realized the greatness from which we came we would be less likely to disrespect ourselves.
Paul Pierce’s “They probably don’t have anybody over 6’3″”
During an episode of Undisputed and before South Sudan gave USA a run for their money on Saturday (20/7), Pierce mocked the African team and laughingly said, “… they probably don’t have anybody over 6’3. How did they get in? He, along with Skip Bayless, also joked about how Luka Doncic’s team isn’t on the Olympics but South Sudan is, confusing Slovenia with Lithuania.
A very condescending take here from Paul Pierce on South Sudan 🇸🇸 who face the USA tonight in a friendly game.
He doesn’t think there is a player who’s 6ft3in! Meanwhile, the tallest ever player in the NBA – Manute Bol was from South Sudan at 7ft7in! 🤦🏾♀️pic.twitter.com/HI8bZhjZ5s
— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) July 20, 2024
Pierce later apologized for his remarks.
.@PaulPierce34 gives all his respect to South Sudan after scaring Team USA
“They have pride and showed me a seismic shift in International play.” pic.twitter.com/aECSk3Inea
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) July 22, 2024
Gilbert Arenas: “We almost lost to some Africans”
Arenas was even more snide and insulting with a touch of xenophobia.
Gilbert Arenas on Team USA’s win over South Sudan:
“Embiid over there throwing the game for his cousins. We not supposed to be losing to Air Up There or the Cool Runnings team…They shooting on peach baskets in dirt with no shoes.” pic.twitter.com/cY8sBO37hx
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 22, 2024