https://www.instagram.com/p/C9zyA9bOINw/
"I normally don’t pay attention to these type of comments, but as an African, a leader in my community, and the president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, I feel it is important to respond. This is for those who have asked about these comments, those who are offended by them, and everyone who has followed our story.
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. The comments made by Paul Pierce showed misinformation and a lack of research. However, he used it as a teachable moment to shed positivity once he was informed. Thank you to Paul Pierce for apologising, that i can respect.
Growing up, I heard many similar comments, and those very remarks are some of the things that motivated me to change the narrative. Africans now show solidarity and support for each other more than ever. Moments like this are not for us to get upset and lash out. Many Africans and Black people who embrace their African heritage are working hard to bring all Black people closer by educating and sharing stories and historic moments, teaching that we have much more in common than differences.
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. 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. Those who are easily misled may make comments that reflect self-hate more than pride. There is nothing about our history that we should run away from.
I actually want to thank both of them for giving us this platform to respond and inform others. 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. Being loved is always better than being tolerated.
If we as a people realized the greatness from which we came we would be less likely to disrespect ourselves. 🙏🏿"
Incredibly thoughtful and classy statement by Luol Deng, who serves as both President of the Federation as well as Assistant Coach, and has been instrumental in South Sudan's success.
by silkkthechakakhan
36 Comments
OOTL, what did Paul Pierce say?
We give attention to the wrong people
Lest we also forget, South Sudan has had a fairly long history with basketball players in the NBA, ranging from Luol Deng himself to Manute Bol (and his son), and Thon Maker, Wenyen Gabriel and the likes.
Again, very well said by Luol Deng, who has worked hard for this historic achievement.
Address them like the children they are
Damn
>being African is special. 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. Those who are easily misled may make comments that reflect self-hate more than pride. There is nothing about our history that we should run away from.
[Luol Deng Game Winner](https://youtu.be/84SY55YRY98?si=EI74BcLL5alYrVaZ)
Beautiful response. Deng has always been an exemplar, and he handled this with such class.
As a Ugandan, the South Sudanese are like brothers to us. Hope they continue the success
Luol Deng basically told Gil he’s a self hating Sambo and Africans from the continent hold themselves with more pride on who they are and where they come from. Hey Gil you’re a POS and I hope you get what’s coming to you.
Luol been a consistent class act his whole life. Nobody should admire and listen to clowns like Gilbert when this guy exists
SSD’s play against the US team was incredibly commendable. They have some legit NBA talent. Sky is the limit for teams from Africa once their infrastructure and training catches up.
Pierce I’m disappointed with, he knows better. With Gilbert, that’s par for the course. His opinions should be mocked and promptly discarded.
Fuck Gilbert Arenas goofy ass
Gilbert Arenas is a certified clown. No one should listen to anything that man says
Luol is a treasure. He was when he was on the Bulls and he still is now.
Gilbert Arenas is unlistenable. He’s the ultimate hater. It would be one thing if he was funny but he’s not. It’s just hating and airing of grievances.
SD is very lucky to have Luol Deng as a leader
Arenas has a history of colorism,
Lakers Legend, classy as always
Gilbert is truly a complete fucking asshole and moron but we’re in this space now right now in sports podcasting and really in general when it comes to podcasting and commentary where microphones are being handed to men who are proudly and unrepentantly crass, crude, bigoted….he’s totally out of line but he has an audience.
There’s an audience for this stuff. That’s what the problem is. Arenas isn’t any different a person than he always was. Dudes like him continue being handed a platform, knowing the kind of person he is and will be with that platform. That’s what we need to examine.
Pierce is little better.
Deng is a A1 human being. Arenas…well this dude is most famous for bringing a gun to a locker room and fleecing the wizards. He shouldn’t have a platform but here we are
that response is pure class
Gilbert has shown himself to be less than an exceptional human being, so…
Imagine hating on a whole continent for one of its countries playing your home country competitively. Clown behavior
What an amazing statement
That’s it. Put his jersey up in the rafters at the UC. Extremely classy response from this Bulls legend.
What did Pierce and Gibert say?
I tip my hat, and everything else, to Luol Deng. Class act, amazing response, and tried to turn this horrible negative into a positive teaching moment. Cheers to him and to his message.
And yet there were plenty of people on reddit saying that it was just harmless jokes and that people are soft.
You rarely get to see someone get body bagged in such an eloquent manner
What’s eating Gilbert Arenas?
Incredible statement by Luol. I hope the main takeaway is, don’t listen to anything Gilbert Arenas says!
Luol Deng showing what an adult looks like! Hell yeah.
Honestly. I ain’t reading all that. But fuck pp and gill
Just remind Paul Pierce he was on the first team usa with nba players that lost games in Fiba in 2002.
If Gilbert Arenas is the smartest basketball analyst in the room – leave that room!
Gilbert Arenas is an idiot. Paul Pierce is a drunk. Don’t listen to either.