Deng said it should be used as a teachable moment and welcomed Pierce's apology for his comments. The former NBA forward admitted Arenas' comment was more hurtful but didn't want to lash out and wanted people to build on the platform South Sudan received.
South Sudan nearly beat Team USA in a friendly game a couple of days ago. The matchup sparked some ignorant comments from two former league stars, Paul Pierce and Gilbert Arenas. Former NBA star Luol Deng, who's now the President of the South Sudanese Basketball Federation, released a reaction.
South Sudan / Schedule
South Sudan
Puerto Rico
USA"Man, they probably haven’t got anyone over 6'3'' (190.5 centimeters). Now we’ve got South Sudan, they should’ve just put Lithuania in," Pierce said during the Undisputed show on FS1.
Gilbert Arenas, meanwhile, laughed, saying, 'We almost lost to some Africans.'
South Sudan is the youngest nation in the world, established only in 2011. Deng took these comments personally.
Deng's full statement on Instagram:
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.
Paul Pierce
| Position: | SF |
| Age: | 46 |
| Height: | 201 cm |
| Weight: | 107 kg |
| Birth place: | Oakland, United States of America |
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.
