Luol Deng Responds to Ferry - East Idaho News
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Luol Deng Responds to Ferry

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Getty S Gen NBABackboard?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1410355008912Christian Petersen/Getty Images(NEW YORK) — Miami Heat forward Luol Deng responded to a recent scouting report that Hawks general manager Danny Ferry read during a June conference call.

Ferry and the Hawks pursued Deng before he signed with Miami last season and apologized on Monday for the racial comments he made in a letter that he sent to Hawks co-owner Michael Gearon Jr.

Deng released a statement on Tuesday.

‘HE HAS A LITTLE AFRICAN IN HIM’

“Ultimately, I’m thankful to be with an organization that appreciates me for who I am and has gone out of its way to make me feel welcome.”

“These words were recently used to describe me. It would ordinarily make any African parent proud to hear their child recognized for their heritage.

“I’m proud to say I actually have a lot of African in me, not just ‘a little.’ 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.

“Concerning my free agency, the focus should purely have been on my professionalism and my ability as an athlete. Every person should have the right to be treated with respect and evaluated as an individual, rather than be reduced to a stereotype. I am saddened and disappointed that this way of thinking still exists today. I am even more disturbed that it was shared so freely in a business setting.

“However, there is comfort in knowing that there are people who aren’t comfortable with it and have the courage to speak up. In the same way a generalization should not define a group of people, the attitude of a few should not define a whole organization or league.


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