Timberwolves Guard Anthony Edwards issued a public apology on Monday for anti-LGBT comments in a video shared on social media earlier this month.
Edwards first spoke publicly about the incident while speaking with reporters during Media Day in Minnesota. Edwards, 21, was fined $40,000 by the National Basketball Association on September 20 for using “offensive and degrading language” in a since-deleted post on his Instagram story.
The third-year guard tweeted an apology on 9/11 after receiving waves of backlash, saying he was “extremely sorry” for his “unacceptable” actions. On Monday, Edwards reiterated his remorse for his remarks and vowed to continue working to better himself as a person.
“Man, I respect everyone,” Edwards said. per ESPN. “I know what I posted was immature. And I’m sorry for that, if I hurt anyone. I work with the team and I’m sorry to all the Minnesota fans, and I’m working to be better.”
In the viral NSFW clip, shared over the weekend of September 10, Edwards can be heard referring to a group of people standing outside as “gays” while the camera zooms in on individuals. He can also be heard saying, “Look what the world has done, brother” before the video ends.
When asked if he realized how his comments might hurt people in the LGBTQ community, Edwards again admitted his mistake and stated that he strives to be better.
“Yes absolutely. Like I said, I am sorry for what I said and my actions and I look forward to being better.”
Edwards, who was named No. 1 in the 2020 draft, became the latest player to receive a league discipline for anti-LGBTQ language in recent years. The immediate response to the incident also enraged Timberwolves President Tim Connelly, who issued a statement on September 12 expressing his displeasure with what had happened.
“We are disappointed by the language and actions that Anthony Edwards has displayed on social media,” Connelly said. “The Timberwolves is committed to being an inclusive and welcoming organization for all and apologizes for the offense this has caused to so many.”
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