Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards apologizes for homophobic video throughout NBA Media Day

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has apologized for his use of homophobic language in an Instagram video shared earlier this month in entrance of reporters throughout Monday’s NBA media day. 

The guard took to social media earlier this month to put up the clip from his automobile, during which he zooms in on a gaggle of shirtless males on the sidewalk. Commentating excessive of the clip, Edwards may be heard saying ‘Have a look at these queer a** n****s, man. Have a look at the world I got here to.’

In a 32-second clip shared by ESPN, the 21-year-old expressed regret for his language within the now-deleted video. 

‘I respect all people,’ Edwards mentioned. ‘I do know what I posted was immature, and I am sorry for that, if I harm anybody. I am working with the staff, and I am sorry to all of the Minnesota followers. I am working to be higher.’

Requested if he had acknowledged whether or not his alternative of phrases was ‘hurtful’ and if he was placing in effort to forestall derogatory language from being unfold on social media, Edwards replied: ‘I am keen to do no matter it takes to make it proper, present all people that I include respect.’

‘That is not who I’m, I am keen to take it so far as I must,’ the one-year Georgia Bulldog added. ‘It simply makes me suppose earlier than I do something now. I realized that it’s a must to suppose earlier than you communicate and issues may be taken away in a blink. Phrases harm individuals and I simply gotta be higher.

Edwards posted a clip on his Instagram of himself filming a gaggle of shirtless males, during which he made a homophobic remark whereas a lady may be heard laughing 

The No. 1 draft decide’s public apology comes two weeks after he described his personal feedback as ‘hurtful’ and ‘unacceptable’ on Twitter. 

‘It is unacceptable for me or anybody to make use of that language in such a hurtful manner, there is not any excuse for it, in any respect. I used to be raised higher than that!,’ Edwards additional wrote on September 11. 

The Timberwolves additionally apologized for the offense Edwards’ actions have brought about, insisting the staff is dedicated to inclusivity. 

‘We’re disillusioned within the language and actions Anthony Edwards displayed on social media,’ the staff mentioned final week in an announcement attributed to staff president Tim Connelly. 

Edwards beforehand apologized on his Twitter account, calling the feedback ‘unacceptable’

‘The Timberwolves are dedicated to being an inclusive and welcoming group for all and apologize for the offense this has brought about to so many.’  

The NBA has since fined Edwards $40,000 with President of League Operations, Byron Spruell, confirming that the league had issued the tremendous to Edwards for ‘utilizing offensive and derogatory language on social media’.

The temporary assertion additionally revealed that the 21-year-old has acknowledged that his actions have been inappropriate.

The league has beforehand fined gamers for using homophobic or offensive language. 

He was fined $40k,000 for his inappropriate language and Minnesota has issued an apology

As reported by The Star Tribune, Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant was slapped with a $50,000 tremendous in April 2021 after actor Michael Rapoport shared screenshots detailing offensive statements Durant had made in direction of him.

Elsewhere, the likes of Kobe Bryant and Rajon Rondo have additionally been fined for utilizing homophobic slurs throughout NBA video games.

In his profession, Edwards is quickly to enter his third season within the NBA after graduating from Georgia in 2020.

He was an NBA All-Rookie First Teamer in 2021, and performed in 72 video games for the Timberwolves in each 2020-21 and 2021-22, in addition to six playoff video games in 2022.

These playoff video games got here in a first-round defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies, regardless of Edwards’ 30-point, 5-rebound, 5-assist, 2-steal and 2-block outing in Sport 6.