Gilbert Arenas, Luol Deng (Image Source: Getty Images)
Gilbert Arenas was critical of South Sudan after their near-win against Team USA during their exhibition basketball game. His remarks, along with Paul Pierce’s one about the South Sudan team’s performance, did not sit well with the former basketball star, Luol Deng.
In a lengthy statement, Deng expressed disappointment rather than anger.
“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,” he said.
Luol Deng, President of South Sudan Basketball, responded to the, ‘disrespectful and cruel,’ comments made by Gilbert 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 l’ve… pic.twitter.com/UvKeqoxmSq
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 25, 2024
The former Chicago Bulls All-Star later shared that the comments did not hurt his personal feelings.
“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. Growing up, I heard many similar comments, and those very remarks are some of the things that motivated me to change the narrative,” he added.
Deng played in the NBA for 15 seasons. After retiring from professional basketball, he is now the president and assistant head coach of his home country’s Basketball Federation.
What did Paul Pierce and Gilbert Arenas say about South Sudan?
Paul Pierce stirred up the media before the USA vs. South Sudan game, saying, “Man, they probably haven’t got anyone over 6’3” (190.5 centimeters)”.
After Arenas, Gilbert Arenas’ comment again let Team Sudan steal the spotlight.
“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,” Arenas said in his podcast.
Luo Deng finished his statement by highlighting a message of self-respect and pride.
“If we as a people realized the greatness from which we came, we would be less likely to disrespect ourselves,” he said.
VIDEO: Amish Woman Has Everyone Losing Their Minds After Pulling Off The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleading Routine In Very Impressive Fashion
Amish Woman recreating Dallas Cowboys’ dance routine (Photo via @DraftDiamonds/X)
An Amish woman quite expertly recreated one of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders’ dance moves, and is going viral online.
The Cowboys’ dancers have been front and center lately since they are featured in a new Netflix series.
The show has seen several cheerleaders trend online since, with the “Thunderstruck” routine taking on a new streak of popularity – so much so, an Amish woman has been doing the rounds online for pulling it off.
“What happens behind the barn stays behind the barn,” read the caption to the original TikTok video, which has since been deleted.
Fortunately, it found its way to X/Twitter before being taken down and can be seen below:
