About two years after he uttered an antisemitic slur during a livestream of a video game. Meyers Leonard is receiving another shot at the NBA.
The 7-foot centre can now participate in an NBA game for the first time since January 2021, according to reports that he and the Milwaukee Bucks have reached an agreement on a 10-day deal. ESPN initially reported the Leonard and Bucks deal.
When Leonard’s slur was exposed in March 2021, his career was threatened and his reputation was severely harmed. He received an eviction notice from the Heat. A $50,000 fine from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and a trade to Oklahoma City. Also Read: Bulls sidelines PG Lonzo Ball, due to persistent knee pain, will miss the entire season
While recuperating from surgeries on his shoulder and ankle, the second of which led to what he described as “a bit of a nerve issue,” Meyers Leonard attempted to make amends. He considered quitting the game.
Leonard committed himself to reaching out to the Jewish community while he was out of the NBA.
Meyers Leonard issued a statement shortly after the video surfaced showing him using the slur, admitting that he didn’t know the word’s meaning but adding that “my ignorance about its history and how offensive it is to the Jewish community is absolutely not an excuse and I was just wrong.” He also said that he didn’t know the world’s history.
Meyers Leonard must perform better for the Milwaukee Bucks
In the 2012 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers selected Leonard with the 11th overall choice. With the Trail Blazers, he participated in 393 games over the course of seven seasons.
He spent two seasons playing for the Heat. The seven-foot centre scored 5.9 points and pulled down 4.9 rebounds per game in 54 games for the Heat. Also Read: Miles Bridges says “I might be back in March,” in response to his NBA returning rumors
In an interview with The Athletic, Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer detailed why they acquired Meyers Leonard.
Budenholzer praised “the sincerity with which he has spoken to us about it, he has spoken publicly.” “We believe he is a person of high moral character who has taken ownership of and made an effort to make this a learning experience for both himself and others. We therefore have faith that he is in a good place, and Also seems to fit our criteria for someone with strong morals.”
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