Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards apologized for a homophobic social media remark.
On his Instagram story, which was recorded and shared by others before he deleted it, a person appears to be in a car with the window partially down, filming a small group of men standing close by.
Hugs are exchanged amongst several of the males in the video."Look at these queer a** n***ers," a voice can be heard saying in the Anthony Edwards video.
On Sunday, per CNN, the 21-year-old basketball star wrote on his official Twitter account: "What I said was immature, hurtful, and disrespectful, and I'm incredibly sorry."
"It's unacceptable for me or anyone to use that language in such a hurtful way, there's no excuse for it, at all. I was raised better than that!"
According to league spokesman Mike Bass, the NBA is "reviewing" the issue of the Anthony Edwards video.
Timberwolves Releases Statement
In a statement, Tim Connelly, the president of basketball operations for the Timberwolves, said: "We are disappointed in the language and actions Anthony Edwards displayed on social media. The Timberwolves are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming organization for all and apologize for the offense this has caused to so many."
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Tim Connelly, the president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Timberwolves, declared that the team was "disappointed" by recent remarks Anthony Edwards expressed on social media, per Bleacher Report.
On Monday, Connelly published the subsequent statement: "We are saddened in the words and deeds Anthony Edwards demonstrated on social media. The Timberwolves sincerely regret the harm this has caused so many people and are dedicated to being an open and welcoming organization for everyone."
A Moment of Learning for Edwards
Chris Finch, the head coach of the Timberwolves, said to Darren Wolfson of KSTP that the incident was a "teachable moment" and "definitely not something the organization condones.
What I said was immature, hurtful, and disrespectful, and I’m incredibly sorry. It’s unacceptable for me or anyone to use that language in such a hurtful way, there’s no excuse for it, at all. I was raised better than that!
— Anthony Edwards (@theantedwards_) September 11, 2022
If Edwards is willing, PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) claimed that it is "ready to help" according to TMZ Sports.
Anthony Edwards was picked by the Timberwolves with the first overall choice in the 2020 NBA Draft. In 144 games throughout his first two seasons, he has averaged 20.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists (127 starts).
Edwards will be in the forefront more this season with Rudy Gobert joining Karl-Anthony Towns. To be at the top of the West, Minnesota needs Edwards to be more effective and a playmaker per NBC Sports.
In the past, the NBA has penalized players for making anti-gay comments per Inquirer Sports.
Rajon Rondo received a one-game ban from the NBA in December 2015, in part due to an outburst he had towards a referee that contained a homophobic slur.
Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets was fined $50,000 in April 2021 for "offensive and insulting remarks on social media"
After making an anti-gay statement in a postgame interview, Denver Nuggets superstar player Nikola Jokic was forced to make a $25,000 cheque.
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