Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been awarded a fine of $40,000 (£35,309) by the NBA for his use of derogatory and offensive homophobic language in an Instagram post.
The rising star, drafted first overall in the 2020 NBA Draft, took to social media to post the clip from his car. In the video, Edwards zooms in on a group of shirtless men on the sidewalk.
It is unclear what provoked the video as the player filmed the group of men interacting on the side of the road. Edwards provides commentary over the top, saying: “Look at these q**** a** n****s, man. Look at the world I came to.”
On Tuesday, President of League Operations Byron Spruell confirmed the NBA had issued the fine to the 21-year-old for 'using offensive and derogatory language on social media'. The statement also suggested Edwards had acknowledged his inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour.
Edwards took to Twitter to post a desperate apology after the clip was posted and ultimately circulated on social media. He wrote: “What I said was immature, hurtful, and disrespectful, and I'm incredibly sorry. It's unacceptable for me or anyone to use that language in such a hurtful way, there's no excuse for it, at all. I was raised better than that!”
Edwards is about to enter his third season in the NBA after graduating from Georgia in 2020. He was named an NBA All-Rookie First Team player in 2021 while he has played in 72 games in each of his first two campaigns, as well as six playoff games in 2022 as the Timberwolves lost to the Memphis Grizzlies.
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The Timberwolves also apologised for Edwards' actions and insisted the franchise is committed to inclusivity. Team president Tim Connelly released a statement on Monday which read: “We are disappointed in the language and actions Anthony Edwards displayed on social media.
“The Timberwolves are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming organisation for all and apologise for the offence this has caused to so many.”
Unfortunately, homophobic slurs are not exactly rare within NBA circles and the league has fined players for the use of such language in the past. Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant was fined $50,000 in April 2021 after actor Michael Rapoport shared screenshots detailing offensive statements the former MVP had directed at him.
