After the July 20 Olympic exhibition matchup between Team USA and South Sudan, 101-100, former Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas commented on how the U.S. shouldn't have struggled vs. the African team, and in doing so he made some xenophobic remarks.
Gilbert Arenas on Team USA's win over South Sudan:
"Embiid over there throwing the game for his cousins. We not supposed to be losing to Air Up There or the Cool Runnings team...They shooting on peach baskets in dirt with no shoes." pic.twitter.com/cY8sBO37hx
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 22, 2024
Arenas was heard saying in the video, "We're not supposed to lose to the Cool Runnings team. They don't even have shoes. They get their shoes from America. We gotta ship them shoes."
To note, Celtics legend Paul Pierce also belittled the South Sudan team for their height and laughed about the matchup before the game started.
"Man, they probably haven't got anyone over 6'3'' (190 cm)." This may have been said in ignorance, as the tallest player in NBA history, Manute Bol (7'7"; 231 cm), is from there, not to mention he is also the father of current Sudan player Bol Bol (7'3"; 221 cm).
Former NBA All-Star Luol Deng (2004-2019), who is now the current President of the South Sudan Basketball Federation, as well as assistant coach on the Olympic team, released a statement (via Instagram) responding to what was said by both, but mainly focused on Arenas.
"I'm not upset or angry at these ignorant remarks made by my former colleagues; I was more disappointed to see them coming from two individuals I've always respected."
"As for Gilbert's comments, they were certainly more disrespectful and cruel. Personally, I don't care much. I would never trade places with anyone; being African is special. However, for young African and African American kids who admire and listen to Gilbert, these comments can make you think less of yourself and make the rest of the world think less of Africans."
Considering that South Sudan, as the 33rd ranked team in the world, were 43-point underdogs but still almost beat the four-time defending Olympic gold medalists, says how far the country has come since Deng played in the league.
"We've worked very hard in the last four years to be here, and we can't allow mere seconds to take that away," Deng stated. "Instead, let's appreciate the moment and use these comments as an opportunity to educate."
Pierce apologized on the Fox Sports TV show 'Undisputed,' while Arenas responded with an apology on his Instagram story.
"I respected u as a player and will as a coach (Sorry for my Disrespectful comments)," Arenas said. "Good luck but not enough luck to win the Gold "Silver" is all urs."
NBA Legend Paul Pierce has apologized to South Sudanese over the World,
For mocking @SSBFed on Saturday live interview before USA🇺🇲 101 Vs 100🇸🇸 South Sudan. pic.twitter.com/I4ZCJHolkh
— Ezekiel Garang Arol (@eGarangArol) July 22, 2024
Related: LeBron James Leads Team USA In Comeback Victory Over South Sudan
