Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry found himself in hot water Monday after reports surfaced that he had made “offensive and racist” remarks about Luol Deng in a scouting report two years ago.
Deng’s response, though, was about as cool as it gets.
Ferry reportedly read aloud a scouting report which mentioned that Deng “has a little African in him” and is the kind of person who “would have a nice store out front but sell you counterfeit stuff out of the back.”
So what did Deng have to say about Ferry’s comments?
“I’m proud to say I actually have a lot of African in me, not just ‘a little,'” the Miami Heat forward said in a statement Tuesday, via the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
“For my entire life, my identity has been a source of pride and strength. Among my family and friends, in my country of South Sudan and across the broader continent of Africa, I can think of no greater privilege than to do what I love for a living while also representing my heritage on the highest stage. Unfortunately, the comment about my heritage was not made with the same respect and appreciation.”
Deng added that he was “saddened and disappointed” that he was “reduced to a stereotype” in Ferry’s scouting report, but that he took comfort in knowing that people stood up for him after the GM’s comments became public.
Click here for a full transcript of Deng’s statement.
