Gilbert Arenas was critical of South Sudan after their near-win against Team USA during their exhibition basketball game. His remarks, along with Paul Pierce’s one about the South Sudan team’s performance, did not sit well with the former basketball star, Luol Deng.
In a lengthy statement, Deng expressed disappointment rather than anger.
“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. As for Gilbert’s comments, they were certainly more disrespectful and cruel. Personally, I don’t care much. I would never trade places with anyone; being African is special,” he said.
The former Chicago Bulls All-Star later shared that the comments did not hurt his personal feelings.
“However, for young African and African American kids who admire and listen to Gilbert, these comments can make you think less of yourself and make the rest of the world think less of Africans. Growing up, I heard many similar comments, and those very remarks are some of the things that motivated me to change the narrative,” he added.
Deng played in the NBA for 15 seasons. After retiring from professional basketball, he is now the president and assistant head coach of his home country’s Basketball Federation.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
What did Paul Pierce and Gilbert Arenas say about South Sudan?
Paul Pierce stirred up the media before the USA vs. South Sudan game, saying, “Man, they probably haven’t got anyone over 6’3” (190.5 centimeters)”.
After Arenas, Gilbert Arenas’ comment again let Team Sudan steal the spotlight.
“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,” Arenas said in his podcast.
Luo Deng finished his statement by highlighting a message of self-respect and pride.
“If we as a people realized the greatness from which we came, we would be less likely to disrespect ourselves,” he said.
