Tony Parker apologizes for quenelle
By Stu White
San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker issued on apology on Monday after a photo of him making an offensive gesture known as the “quenelle” made its way around the web. The quenelle, popularized by controversial French comedian Dieudonne Mbala-Mbala, is considered a reversed version of the Nazi salute, and its use has already landed another athlete, French soccer player Nicolas Anelka, in hot water.
Parker said in his apology that he didn’t realize the offensive nature of the gesture at the time of the photo:
"While this gesture has been part of French culture for many years, it was not until recently that I learned of the very negative concerns associated with it. When l was photographed making that gesture three years ago, I thought it was part of a comedy act and did not know that it could be in any way offensive or harmful. Since I have been made aware of the seriousness of this gesture, I will certainly never repeat the gesture and sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding or harm relating to my actions. Hopefully this incident will serve to educate others that we need to be more aware that things that may seem innocuous can actually have a history of hate and hurt (CBS Sports)."
The San Antonio Spurs will host the Brooklyn Nets tomorrow night.
[Source: CBS Sports]