Retired NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas made a rather offensive comment regarding Team USA’s narrow victory over South Sudan.
Among his comments was a dig at Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid. “This is crazy, man Embiid, throwing the game for his cousins and [expletive].” Arenas said this at one point in the video posted on TikTok.
Although the Sixers star never directly heard Arenas’ comment, he shared his reaction to the speech in a recent interview.
“Obviously, I don’t condone it,” Embiid said. “I’m African, first and foremost. I may be playing for Team USA, but you know I’m Cameroonian. I don’t know exactly what was said, so I can’t comment on it. If it was that negative, it’s just disappointing because you see what African basketball has done for us to be in this position and have some kind of impact. Like I said, it’s really unfortunate, especially in the world we live in right now, with so much negativity.”
I asked @usabasketballCameroon-born star Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) on Gilbert Arena (@GilsArenaShow) recent disgusting and racist comments about Africans and African basketball players… @FECABASKET @FIBA @SSBFed image.twitter.com/aBRZfXnxTi
— Δ¥Ω™ (@iam_Ayo) July 22, 2024
It’s interesting that Arenas criticized Embiid for his performance against South Sudan, as he recorded 14 points and 7 rebounds on 5-of-6 shooting. However, the exhibition games leading up to the one-point win did not go well for the 30-year-old.
The United States has faced harsh criticism, but is making a 180-degree turn and is now in the group stage.
