Former Washington Wizards player Gilbert Arenas has expressed regret to ex-NBA star Luol Deng regarding his comments about South Sudan’s basketball team, which were interpreted by some as xenophobic.
Arenas faced backlash for his disparaging remarks about the team that nearly defeated Team USA during an exhibition match in London last weekend.
‘We almost lost to the Ahi Ahi tribe. This is crazy, [Joel] Embiid over there, throwing the game for his cousins and stuff,’ Arenas remarked following the loss. He also mimicked a blow dart and commented on the living conditions in South Sudan, suggesting they ‘get their shoes from America’ and that they ‘don’t even have basketball hoops… they shoot on peach baskets in dirt.’
Deng, who serves as the president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, publicly criticized Arenas on Instagram.
‘Moments like this aren’t for us to react negatively. Many Africans and people of African descent who cherish their heritage are striving to unite all Black individuals through education and shared stories, teaching that we have far more in common than we do differences,’ Deng’s post conveyed.
Gilbert Arenas has apologized to South Sudan’s Luol Deng for his ‘disrespectful comments’
South Sudan nearly scored a massive upset over Team USA at an exhibition match in London
Deng labeled Arenas’ remarks as ‘disrespectful and cruel,’ noting: ‘Personally, I’m unaffected. I wouldn’t trade my heritage for anything; being African is unique. Nevertheless, for the young African and African American youth who look up to Gilbert, these words can diminish their self-worth and alter perceptions of Africans worldwide.
‘Those who are easily swayed might make comments rooted in self-loathing rather than pride. There is nothing in our history we should hide from.’
Deng expressed gratitude to Arenas and another ex-NBA player, Paul Pierce, for ‘providing us this platform to respond and educate others.’
‘We’ve tirelessly worked over the past four years to achieve this, and we can’t let fleeting moments undermine that. Instead, let’s cherish this moment and use these comments as an educational opportunity. Being respected is far better than merely being tolerated.’
Upon hearing Deng’s response, Arenas issued an apology on his Instagram story.
‘@luoldeng9 I respected you as a player, and I will as a coach. (Sorry for my disrespectful comments) Good luck, but not enough luck to win the Gold; “Silver” is all yours.’
