Meyers coach Leonard and Miami Heat teammates did not apologize on Wednesday for Leonard’s use of an anti-Semitic injury during a recent live video game broadcast, nor did they make any effort to hide his disappointment with him in his first public comments on the incident.
“He said something extremely unpleasant and painful,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. “And we are left with the consequences of that.”
In a video that surfaced on social media Tuesday, Leonard can be heard saying, “Cowards, damn it!” Leonard has apologized in an Instagram post and will stay away from the Heat indefinitely, according to the organization. , while the NBA conducts an investigation.
Leonard’s season was already over because of a shoulder injury.
“There are consequences to the words,” said Spoelstra. “And those were extremely painful words.”
The Heat returned to work on Wednesday to end their break for the All-Star. The team opens its second half schedule Thursday against Orlando. Spoelstra talked to Leonard, as well as other staff members.
“We cannot tolerate it here,” said Heat captain and 18-year-old veteran Udonis Haslem of using the injury. “Right is right and wrong is wrong. And since I am here in this organization, the day I leave this organization and beyond, we will try to be on the right side in everything – especially on issues like this.”
Haslem was asked if Leonard ever used offensive language near him.
“No, sir,” said Haslem. “I never heard him use language that made me uncomfortable.”
Spoelstra praised Leonard’s work ethic and effort many times during the year and a half of the 7-foot center with the team.
Those days seem very distant now.
“It doesn’t matter what the intention is,” said Spoelstra. “It’s not right.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.