NBA player Meyers Leonard apologizes for using anti-Semitic slander during the live broadcast of ‘Call of Duty’

NBA player Meyers Leonard apologizes for using anti-Semitic slander during the live broadcast of ‘Call of Duty’

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Leonard, a Miami Heat striker, was playing “Call of Duty: Warzone” on Monday when he said, “F ** king cowards. Don’t f ** king snipe on me.”

The video was never posted on Leonard’s verified Twitch channel, but the individual in the video appears to be the same person shown in other videos posted on Leonard’s channel on Monday.

“I deeply regret using an anti-Semitic slander during a live broadcast yesterday,” wrote Leonard in an Instagram post, adding that he did not know what the word meant at the time. “My ignorance about its history and how offensive it is to the Jewish community is not an excuse at all and I was just wrong.”

Leonard says he is “committed to properly seeking” those who can educate him about “this type of hatred and how we can fight it”.

“I acknowledge and acknowledge my mistake and there is no escaping something that is so painful for someone else,” said Leonard.

Leonard did not refer to the sexist part of his comment in the apology.

NBA spokesman Mike Bass told CNN in an email that the league “has just learned about the video and is in the process of collecting more information”.

“The NBA unequivocally condemns all forms of hate speech,” said Bass’s email.

How to talk to your kids about hate speech online

The Heat issued a statement saying the organization “strongly condemns the use of any form of hate speech”.

“The words used by Meyers Leonard were wrong and we will not tolerate hateful language from anyone associated with our franchise,” says the team statement. “Meyers Leonard will be out of the team indefinitely. The Miami HEAT will cooperate with the NBA while conducting its investigation.”

CNN Sports contacted Leonard’s agent, but received no response.

Three of Leonard’s business partners severed his relationship with him, including Source PC, SCUF Gaming and ASTRO Gaming. Both Origin and SCUF claim that Leonard’s comments do not reflect his values ​​or opinions.

“ASTRO is committed to creating an inclusive gaming environment that combats racism and other forms of discrimination, retaliation and harassment. For this reason, we are ending our relationship with Meyers Leonard, with immediate effect,” says the statement from ASTRO Gaming .

The Portland Trail Blazers summoned Leonard in the 2012 NBA draft. He played seven seasons with the Trail Blazers and the last two with the Heat.

Leonard has played three games for the Heat this season. He underwent left shoulder stabilization surgery on February 2 and is expected to miss the rest of the season.

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