Danny Ferry has been under fire recently after people became aware of some remarks which Ferry had made about Luol Deng during this year’s free agency period. The remarks were so egregious that several people who were on the conference call with Ferry immediately called for an internal investigation into the Hawks organization. It is not difficult to see why:
According to reports, in a phone conference detailing the Hawks’ interest in free agent swingman Luol Deng, Ferry was heard relaying a quote that stated that Deng “has a little African in him, not in a bad way, but he’s a guy who would have a nice store out front, but sell you counterfeit stuff out of the back.”
And while Ferry has apologized for saying the remarks, he is also steadfast in his claim that he was simply reading what was written on the scouting report on Deng and that the brunt of the criticism shouldn’t fall on him since he wasn’t responsible for writing the offensive remarks:
“In regards to the insensitive remarks that were used during our due diligence process, I was repeating comments that were gathered from numerous sources during background conversations and scouting about different players,” Ferry said in a statement released by the team.
“I repeated those comments during a telephone conversation reviewing the draft and free agency process. Those words do not reflect my views, or words that I would use to describe an individual and I certainly regret it. I apologize to those I offended and to Luol, who I reached out to Monday morning.”
Regardless of the origins of the racist stereotyping of Deng, Ferry undoubtedly should have known better. No one deserves to have their heritage denigrated and Luol Deng made sure to take Ferry (or whoever wrote those idiotic remarks) to task for it in a masterful statement which he released today:
“HE HAS A LITTLE AFRICAN IN HIM”
“These words were recently used to describe me. It would ordinarily make any African parent proud to hear their child recognized for their heritage.
“I’m proud to say I actually have a lot of African in me, not just “a little”. For my entire life, my identity has been a source of pride and strength. Among my family and friends, in my country of South Sudan and across the broader continent of Africa, I can think of no greater privilege than to do what I love for a living while also representing my heritage on the highest stage. Unfortunately, the comment about my heritage was not made with the same respect and appreciation.
“Concerning my free agency, the focus should purely have been on my professionalism and my ability as an athlete. Every person should have the right to be treated with respect and evaluated as an individual, rather than be reduced to a stereotype. I am saddened and disappointed that this way of thinking still exists today. I am even more disturbed that it was shared so freely in a business setting.
“However, there is comfort in knowing that there are people who aren’t comfortable with it and have the courage to speak up. In the same way a generalization should not define a group of people, the attitude of a few should not define a whole organization or league.
“Ultimately, I’m thankful to be with an organization that appreciates me for who I am and has gone out of its way to make me feel welcome.”
