Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards apologized after making anti-gay comments in a social media video this offseason.
This offseason, Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards posted a since-deleted video on social media that got him in some trouble, as he used homophobic language upon seeing a group of people standing on a sidewalk. Edwards issued an apology on Twitter after posting and deleting the video. The NBA punished Edwards on Sept. 20, fining him $40,000 for using “offensive and derogatory language.”
During media day on Monday, Edwards again issued an apology, saying that “that’s not who I am.”
“That’s not who I am. … I’m sorry.”
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 27, 2022
Anthony Edwards apologized Monday after he made anti-gay comments in a video this offseason
(via @WillHallKARE11)pic.twitter.com/77GZRybcBa
Anthony Edwards apologizes for using anti-gay language in social media video
On Sept. 11, Edwards tweeted out an apology, saying that he was “incredibly sorry,” and calling what he said in the video “immature, hurtful, and disrespectful.”
What I said was immature, hurtful, and disrespectful, and I’m incredibly sorry. It’s unacceptable for me or anyone to use that language in such a hurtful way, there’s no excuse for it, at all. I was raised better than that!
— Anthony Edwards (@theantedwards_) September 11, 2022
Timberwolves team president Tim Connelly released a statement on Sept. 12, voicing their displeasure with Edwards’ use of language in the video.
“We are disappointed in the language and actions Anthony Edwards displayed on social media,” said Connelly, h/t ESPN. “The Timberwolves are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming organization for all and apologize for the offense this has caused to so many.”
Edwards is the Timberwolves’ first-overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Last season, in his second year in the NBA, Edwards averaged 21.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists while shooting 44.1-percent from the field and 35.7-percent from the three-point line. In six playoff games, Edwards averaged 25.2. points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while putting a field goal percentage of 45.5 and a three-point percentage of 40.4.
The Timberwolves open up their 2022-23 season on Oct. 19 against the Miami Heat.