Gilbert Arenas Criticized for Xenophobic Reaction to Team USA and South Sudan Game (UPDATE)
"They don’t even have shoes," Arenas said in the widely criticized clip. "They get their shoes from America."
UPDATED 7/25, 8:45 p.m. ET: Gilbert Arenas took to his Instagram Stories to apologize to Luol Deng for some "disrespectful comments" about the South Sudan men's basketball team following its 101-100 loss to Team USA.
"I respected u as a player and will as a coach (Sorry for my Disrespectful comments) Good luck but not enough luck to the Gold 'Silver' is all urs🏀🙏🏿," Arenas wrote.
Arenas' apology comes after Deng addressed the xenophobic remarks made by the former NBA player and Paul Pierce.
As president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, Deng felt like it was necessary for him to respond to Arenas and Pierce. "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," he wrote.
Deng acknowledged Pierce's apology and his willingness to learn from his mistakes. The 39-year-old admitted he has heard similar comments in the past and taken them as motivation to "change the narrative."
The two-time NBA All-Star considered Arenas' remarks to be "more disrespectful and cruel" and expressed concern over how "these comments can make you think less of yourself and make the rest of the world think less of Africans."
"I actually want to thank both of them for giving us this platform to respond and inform others," Deng wrote. "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."
Check out Luol Deng's entire statement here:
See original story below.
Gilbert Arenas is facing widespread criticism after making xenophobic remarks in connection with Team USA proceedings.
As you’ve no doubt seen by now, Arenas made the comments in question while reacting to the recent game between Team USA and South Sudan. The former ultimately emerged victorious, though the game was a close one at 101-100.
"Almost lost to some Africans," Arenas said at one point in the clip making the rounds. Later, Arenas said the team "almost lost to the Ahi Ahi tribe," calling the situation "crazy." He also said that Joel Embiid was "goddamn throwing the game for his cousins and shit." At one point, the1993 film Cool Runnings was referenced.
"Come on, man. Cool Runnings?" the former Washington Wizards and Golden State Warriors player said. "We’re not supposed to lose to the Cool Runnings team. They don’t even have shoes. They get their shoes from America. We gotta ship them shoes. They don’t even have basketball rims, dog. … We losing to people who got baskets in the back. They shooting on fucking peach baskets in dirt, no shoes.'
As of this writing, Arenas has not issued a statement in response to the ensuing backlash. In an interview with Ayo Biyibi, Embiid was addressed the nature of Arenas’ remarks, calling them "disappointing."
Arenas has been roundly called out for his remarks, with many arguing that the comments are, in fact, emblematic of a larger problem.
Next for Team USA is an exhibition match against Germany, which they won on Monday, 92-88. This week, it was announced that LeBron James, whose layup made the South Sudan victory possible, will be a flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony in Paris on Friday. Per LeBron, the opportunity stands as "an incredible honor" at a particularly key moment.
"For a kid from Akron, this responsibility means everything to not only myself, but to my family, all the kids in my hometown, my teammates, fellow Olympians and so many people across the country with big aspirations," LeBron said.
