New York (AFP)
The young star of the Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant, in the running to be named rookie (beginner) of the year in the NBA, apologized Monday for having relayed on social networks a photo montage with a message insulting the police.
The back of 20 had reposted on his Instagram account a photo of him from behind with the jersey of his team, flocked not with his name but with a "Fuck" above his number 12. Now the 12 is also the urban code designating the police services.
This photo appeared on social media as the NBA is considering allowing players to personalize their jerseys when the season restarts on July 30 at Disney World (Florida) with slogans in favor of social justice that would replace their name.
After deleting his message, Morant assured on Twitter that he did not intend to convict all the police. "First I want to apologize for republishing something that did not accurately reflect the opinion I wanted to share," said Morant.
"My message tended to focus on the bad cops who get away with the murder of unarmed black men and women, and those who continue to harass peaceful demonstrators of BLACK LIVES MATTER," he added. , in reference to the murder by asphyxiation of George Floyd during his arrest, a month ago in Minneapolis.
"I know there are good +12+ cops. I know some, and some are family," added the player. "I am grateful to the Murray State cops who took care of me and the cops who continue to watch over me with the Grizzlies."
Morant, drafted in 2nd position a year ago, is very much in the 8th place occupied by Memphis this season, with a production of 17.6 points, 6.9 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game.
The Grizzlies will try to preserve this position, competed by five other teams, to secure their place in the play-offs.
"You can see me as a simple basketball player and I can lose fans for taking a stand, but I will not remain silent," he warned.
© 2020 AFP