Perplexingly, Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard J.J. Redick uttered a problematic racial slur toward the NBA’s Chinese fans in a Chinese New Year video produced by Chinese media company Tencent. The video featured NBA players and coaches congratulating the people of China and wishing them a happy Chinese New Year. Redick’s message was… different from the rest:
“I want to wish all the NBA c—k fans in China a Happy New Year.”
Expectedly and correctly, the internet responded to this video with outrage once it went viral. Redick responded to the video via Twitter but didn’t apologize, instead expressing his disappointment – not in himself, but in those who somehow took offense to his racial slur:
Just saw a video that is being circulated of me wishing a happy new year to NBA fans in China.Clearly I was tongue tied, as the word I purportedly said is not in my vocabulary. I’m disappointed that anyone would think I would use that word. I love & respect our friends in China.
— JJ Redick (@JJRedick) February 18, 2018
In all likelihood, Redick didn’t mean to offend anyone with his comment – and maybe he was tongue-tied. But it’s still a really, really bad look for him to defend himself and even say he’s disappointed in other people rather than apologize and express his regret.
