An off-the-cuff remark with racial undertones made by Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry led to majority team owner Bruce Levenson being forced to sell his stake in the franchise.
This past June, Ferry was reading a scouting report on then-free agent forward Luol Deng, and reportedly said Deng (who was born in Sudan) has “got some African in him”.
The Hawks will punish Ferry for the offending comment.
Per Yahoo:
“He’s still a young guy overall,” Ferry said, league sources with direct knowledge of the probe said. “He’s a good guy overall. But he’s not perfect. He’s got some African in him. And I don’t say that in a bad way.”
Ferry reached out to Deng and Deng’s agent, Ron Shade, on Monday, Shade said. Ferry hadn’t yet spoken to Deng, but he did talk to Shade, a Chicago-based agent. “I have no reaction, but we’ve spoken,” Shade said.
Ferry was on the phone with seven Hawks owners and was reading off a report prepared for him based upon a network of information sources from around the league. […] Commissioner Adam Silver met with a senior committee of owners late last week in New York, and NBA investigators outlined the findings on the probe in Atlanta, sources said. The NBA and Hawks officials helped convince Levenson to sell his majority share of the Hawks.
As a white dude, can someone explain this one to me?
“He’s a good guy overall. But he’s not perfect. He’s got some African in him. And I don’t say that in a bad way.”–this makes no sense. Then again, racists never do.
He does seem a little “tribey” lol. And I don’t think Ferry’s comment is racist it’s “place-ist”. The comment has to do with the personality Deng has based on where he was born (Sudan), it doesn’t have to do with the color of his skin. I bet Ferry’s not making that comment about Jeff Teague lol.
…
unlike levensons’ statements now that was truly discriminating.
lol…Are you trying to amuse us or are you this stupid? “place-cist”..u think pero antic’s scouting report said he has a bit of Europe in him?
I don’t understand how Danny Ferry could mean this in any type of way other than an extremely ignorant one.
What the hell is going on with the Atlanta Hawks though?
“He has go some european to him”. Exact same thing but not racist. This politically correct racism everywhere bullshit is going over the top. Like Ferguson – oh my god the cops are racist. Two days later exactly the same thing, this time it was black cop shooting white unarmed man. Nothing, almost no coverage whatsoever.
Based on whats going on the mentality is that minorities, only whites cana. Thats bullshit.
I’m that stupid. I agree with your point that Ferry saying “he’s got some African in him” was meant in a negative way…that’s the only way that comment makes sense in that context. But I don’t really think what he said is any different than me playing on a team with Vlade Divac and thinking he’s “too Euro”. Clearly pretty much ALL the players on the Hawks have African in them (literally), so why did he single out Deng? Because his comment wasn’t about Deng’s “race”, it was about his vibe/demeanor. For the record I like Deng and he seems like a genuinely good dude and if I was a coach/owner/player he is absolutely somebody I would want on my roster. But Ferry’s “problem” with Deng isn’t a race problem it’s a “I wish he seemed more fully American” problem.
“he has got some european in him”. Say that and its not racist. But this african is. I think this politically correct BS and only whites can be racists is ridiculous.
EXACTLY my thoughts. How come its not racist to say “hes got some european in him” when people complained about euroballers and their playing in NBA. This is EXACTLY the same thing, but the one being commented is black. This is such a bullshit agenda.
No because you can’t jump and you can’t dance.
Say that to rip Petrovic. He was too “euro”. Exactly the same thing but I bet you wouldnt complain about that cos you have agenga.
Maybe you stupid
“Say that and its not racist. ”
1. Says who?
2. When have you ever in your life heard someone say “he has got some European in him”?
The “African” comment was clearly being used as a pejorative against an entire race of people (assuming you buy into “race” in the first place). That is the very definition of being a racist.
it’s degrading rather you are a man from Africa or an American who have african descent in there blood. I think the comment was racist. It goes to show you that racism still exist, but people hide it and at like it’s not there.
The statement, “He’s got some African in him.” wouldn’t be racist in normal situations. However, because it follows the statement, “He’s not perfect.” implies that having African blood is an imperfection. THAT is what makes it a racist statement. SN: what you refer to as politically correct BS is what used to be called common courtesy and respect for others’ feelings. IJS
“hes got some european in him”
They were talking about a style of play common in European leagues. They were not talking about any inherent genetic traits of a group of people (a group of people organized by what we call “race”).
…unless your new claim is that Ferry was addressing the style of play in African sports leagues. In which case, he is simply a different class of idiot. Deng is from the UK.
Okay, he’s got some African in him. And assume the comment wasn’t meant to be racist. What does it mean in the purest of lights? That his english isn’t all that good? That African culture sometimes is at odds with American culture? How? Does he eat monkey brains for breakfast?
What does that even mean. I dont understand.
Even that would not even be correct.
Luol Deng is “from” the UK. He is a British citizen.
Ferry is making a negative comment about Africans, period.
Racists and bigots (and well meaning dimwits) love running to the defense of racists. They will use any and every logical contortion to try to keep the exposed racism/bigotry in the shadows.
“However, because it follows the statement, ‘He’s not perfect.’ implies that having African blood is an imperfection”
This.
But don’t you think there’s a lot of players in the NBA (black and white) that would say a player was “too Euro”? I bet players had issues with Dirk, Divac, Gasol etc for being “too Euro”…and not with respect to their “game” but with respect to their personality/accent/etc. And with the whole African thing, even black people have a particular African threshold lol. You see any of these NBA ballers flying out to Africa to kick it with their Kenyan homeboys? A majority of my friends in High School were black and THEY mocked the “from Africa” African kids. Maybe Ferry is a racist, I honestly don’t know, but this comment is not that big of a deal in-and-of-itself IMO.
When they say players like gasol are euro bigs, they mean the shoot the ball. As does pero antic. Nothing to do with their personality. Which is what Ferry spoke about. Obviously if you’re reffering to africa and bad personality you’re doing so in a manner which is prejudice in a bad way..
That is correct.
Simply saying “he has some African / European in him” is not racist.
However, giving some context by saying “he’s not perfect, he’s got some European in him” or “he’s not perfect, he’s got some African in him” is definitely racist.
@anon101^^^^^ you are either racist or just plain ignorant. Or both.
“He’s a good guy overall. But he’s not perfect. He’s got some African in him. And I don’t say that in a bad way.”
He’s not perfect followed by a description of his nationality. Why does race have anything to do with his scouting report unless it’s in regards to his playing style or charities he supports?
He’s got some African in him, followed by I don’t say that in a bad way. Well why would that ever be bad, and who would say that in a bad way? A racist, that’s who.
hahahahahahaha
Yeah. One day maybe we’ll have a country where whites are no longer oppressed. One stat should show you that racism still pervades our society:
“The net worth of the average black household in the United States is
$6,314, compared with $110,500 for the average white household,
according to 2011 census data. The gap has worsened in the last decade,
and the United States now has a greater wealth gap by race than South Africa had during apartheid. (Whites in America on average own almost 18 times as much as blacks; in South Africa in 1970, the ratio was about 15 times.)”
That shows the legacy of slavery/segregation as well as the current, continuing societal and institutional problem of racism. You can only look at that stat and come to one of two conclusions: a. that the past and present circumstances have created, and continue to perpetuate, results that disproportionately lead to bad outcomes for black people in America or b. that black people have all the same opportunities and are no longer discriminated against and are therefore inherently incapable of getting their sh*t together.
If you chose b you’re delusional and racist. Stop complaining about white victimization.
Now you’re just being naive. I guarantee there were/are players that didn’t want to hang out with Divac, Gasol etc for being “too Euro”. I’m sure there were players who didn’t want to hang out with Lin or Yao Ming for being “too Asian”…and I bet a lot of those same players would’ve kicked it with the rapper Jin back when had his 15 minutes of fame.
“But don’t you think there’s a lot of players in the NBA (black and white) that would say a player was “too Euro”? ”
No.
“And with the whole African thing, even black people have a particular African threshold lol. ”
The fact that their are some ignorant Sambos in the general black community says nothing about the bigoted/racist nature of Ferry’s comment.
“You see any of these NBA ballers flying out to Africa to kick it with their Kenyan homeboys lol?”
No. But why would they?
“A majority of my friends in High School were black and THEY mocked the “from Africa” African kids. ”
That’s because they were ignorant kids. Plus, this would help explain the dysfunction in the black community.
…along with the velvet or soft shoe racism displayed by Ferry and people like him.
Donald Sterling insists that he is not a racist too. He was simply giving facts on life in America according to him. He LOVES black folks!
“I guarantee…”
Even you will have to admit, your guarantee is completely worthless. Based on nothing but you personal opinion.
Is this a joke? Players can hang out with who they want to hang out with. Just like you are allowed to hangout with who you want. Doesn’t mean that they shun them. Where is this “I’m sure” coming from? You hangout with ballers? And players don’t employ players.
Jeremy Lin is American by the way. You Racist PIG. He was also crashing on his teammates couch.
Pointing out cultural differences is racist now? it would be racist if I said they suck because he’s black” Stereotyping isn’t necessarily racism, peoples are far too insensitive these days.
Just a slang comment, we all make comments like it without regard,it doesn’t make us racist. He was apparently reading from an external consultant’s report, it was that report which began the internal investigation, that led to the discovery of Levenson’s email.
“he has got some European in him”? I have actually heard that alot lol. but as jokes among friends.
when I first read this i thought he was being prejudiced towards a nationality as opposed to a race.
Africa is synonymous with a race. Also, Africa has many different nationalities.
“African” is not a nationality. There are dozens of disparate nations in Africa.
When someone says African in reference to a person 999999 times out of a million, they are referring to them as being “black”.
…no one ever calls, or would they ever call, Steve Nash African even though he was born in Africa.
?? So I’m a racist PIG because I’m aware of nationality-based prejudice? I think we’re discovering who the stupid one is. Not to mention technically you should call me a “xenophobic pig” lol, although that isn’t true because I don’t have any issue with Deng, Ginobili etc I’m just saying that there undoubtedly are players/owners/coaches who do.
I never said anything about players not being “allowed”, nor did I say anything about players employing players. As far as me being “sure” about what I said, well that stems from having a functional brain which enables me to have an awareness of what goes on in the real world. I’m not saying EVERYBODY shunned particular players, but to think that that didn’t and doesn’t happen is ultra-naive. I mean, you know a lot of these NBA players are egotistical, shallow, and arrogant right? You don’t think maybe one of the off-shoots of those traits would be, oh I don’t know, thinking some people are too foreign to hang out with? Come on dude, gimme a break.
I get what @Doug is saying. I am sure there were players who said something about euro players in that sense. I think this might be a personality trait he may be refering too.
For example, when I moved out here to Tdot, I didn’t say please when I asked people to do something in the work place. It came down to being a cultural thing. just my 2 cents… at the end of the day nobody really knows what he meant.
So if Ihang with people i like that means I’m racist? And your functioning brain tells you that nobody wanted to hang with dirk? I don’t think there is more for you to say. Seems your functioning brain never actually started.
And what does being arrogant have to do with separating cultures? If you don’t feel like hanging out with people then you don’t. If you’re chosing not to hangout with people because of their religion, race etc. then you’re a bigot.
I shouldn’t have said “a nationality” and said he was being predjudiced towards the nationalities that comprise the continent of Africa.
uh, why? –>
i know and i understand this, the fact that Ferry or whoever wrote the email would refer to a whole continent of people as just African’s is a problem in and of itself. To me it reads as him being prejudiced toward African nationalities as opposed to being racist. But hey, i wasn’t in the room when those idiotic words were said.
I live in Africa, and I’ve played in pro ball leagues throughout Africa. Deng’s game is nothing like the comp I’ve seen here – and yup, I’ve played a lot in South Sudan.
And to be clear – the game styles change from country to country, as well as from region to region within each country – pace of play, physicality, emphasis on positioning, skill development, etc.
Even then, there is a disconnect.
That is why I mentioned Steve Nash in my first comment. Nash was undeniably born in Africa and is as much African (by your nationality definition) as the British citizen Luol Deng is.
Yet, no one in their right mind would refer to Nash as being “African”.
That is a term whose effective meaning is “black human”.
That is because Ferry was not referring to “style of play”.
He was making a negative comment about Deng based on him being black.
Whether that negative comment was bigoted (culture) or racist (genetic), there is no doubt that it was a pejorative comment centered around his ethnic background (black).
uh why? —>”the NBA and Hawks officials helped convince Levenson to sell his majority share of the Hawks.”
Yes because racism was built by whites… I don’t have to go into history do I? Jim crow. .. slavery. .. segregation. .. etc.. Europeans are the beginning and end of racism it won’t stop until you all realize it and this doesn’t apply to the great white men and women who acknowledge the privileges they have
idk maybe im being naive and don’t want to believe people are as stupid as some of the quotes they put out there, It just kind of sounds like Levenson or whomever wrote the email and Ferry just coined the word “African” to describe how Luol Deng may not have assimilated (his game or him personally?) to American cutlure the way they expected him to.
I would also consider Nash South African since he was born there and one of his parents are South African but apparently he is Canadian?. Deng I believe is Sudanese.
You keep bringing up this UK thing so here… He was born in Sudan, in the continent of Africa till he was 9. Is it not possible for him to bring over some traits perhaps cultural or family, even though he lived in the UK for a period of time? I think so.
Who started racism????????????????? Why as a black man. Why Would I like a white person or any color person who thinks im less then an animal? Why? So when u say your a white man and you don’t see why you can’t say certain things to black people or about black people. It’s because your people were the one’s who were and are still racist. I don’t trip off you whites being racist because if u don’t like someone because of their skin. U really hate who u are. So with that being said. Don’t say nothing about a black person who puts money in your pocket. Let all white boys play on the Atlanta hawks then u can call us whatever. I bet he knows his team won’t win anything without blacks. Wit that being said. Watch your mouth or be forced to sell your team;) have a great day.
lol, you have so misrepresented and/or misunderstood my position that you are borderline trolling. I’m not responding to you anymore.
“I would also consider Nash South African ”
That actually is another great example of my original point.
South Africa is clearly in Africa. Yet, South Africans refer to themselves specifically as South African in order to distinguish themselves from the rest of Africa (i.e. black Africans)
For the sake of argument, I will accept your position.
So Ferry is not a (genetic) racist but rather a (cultural) bigot.
That is slightly better, I guess.
Maybe Ferry should elaborate on these negative traits due to Deng’s African heritage.
That should be entertaining.
“Who started racism?????????????????”
in the usa? obviously white folks.
all around the globe? almost every culture and ethnicity ever since.
levenson just stated the obvious. many white southerners are scared of black people. thats just the case plus it looks like whites in the usa are indeed wealthier on average than blacks. he didnt really express himself politically correct but he pointed out a social drawback more than that he dropped racist rants. the public better figures out how to solve these problems rather than penalizing those who point it out. looks like you havent got the slightest idea about my oppinion on racial and social issues at all.
.
Shall we break this down…
“He’s a good guy overall.” = We should sign this guy. Everyone knows he is a good lockerroom guy who plays basketball at a high level and is high character.
“But he isn’t perfect.” = He has had injuries in the past and isn’t top 5 at his position.
“He’s got some African in him.” This is open for debate and can clearly be misinterpreted. Some might take this as he works hard at a cheap price. Others could take it as the scout was trying to make a joke by swapping Jamaican and African but really meant, Deng does many jobs on the court, he defends, rebounds, passes, and scores.
“And I don’t say that in a bad way.” = To all you racists out there that associate being African with something negative, I’m using it as a positive so please open your small minds and sign him before someone else does.
if he was from Uganda i’d consider him Ugandan. He was born in South Africa that’s why I was saying South African.
*edit would you consider Mexican’s North American? or Canadians North American?
“To me it reads as him being prejudiced toward African nationalities as opposed to being racist. ”
Ask yourself, what is more likely:
a) Ferry is bigoted toward a group of unrelated nations, each with their own culture and history?
b) Ferry is negatively branding an entire ethnic group of people (i.e. black) where he uses the common term used to identify blacks as a group?
Either Ferry’s comment has the worst sentence construction in recent memory or he has some bias against Black folks, either bigoted or racist (and those two thing are not the same thing).
I am rolling with b.
As punishment Ferry should learn to dance the “Zahouley”
http://youtu.be/BbLzhlR8GJc
I get what you are saying. It’s about the “place” Deng is from and the vibe that comes from being from that place; it’s not about the color of his skin. The Hawks have a predominately black team so Ferry’s comments make no sense unless he’s talking specifically about a “from Africa” vibe; or to be more specific, his “from a terrible part of Africa” vibe. Again, I personally do not care about Deng’s semi-African vibe lol, and I’m sure having grown up in Sudan for several years shaped Deng into the player that he is, I (like you) am just trying to clarify what I think Ferry meant. And to be fair, I don’t know why Ferry cares about Deng’s semi-African vibe; it’s not something that should matter so maybe there is an issue here, but if so, it is more of a xenophobic issue than a racist issue IMO. Again, for people saying this is a “race” issue, would Ferry have the same feeling about Deng if Deng was born/raised in Johannesburg? Probably not. And what if he was born/raised in the USA? Defnintely not IMO. So I don’t see this as being a race thing.
He prefaces the statement with ‘he’s not perfect’ which implies a negative and then follows it up with ‘And I don’t say that in a bad way’. My interpretation is he was referring to some cultural attribute that contributed to difficulty adapting to nba/american culture. Obviously, a poor choice of words without elaboration.
So unless there is evidence that Ferry has a history of racist behavior or cultural biases, I am not yet ready to brand him a racist or bigot. Scouting reports can be pretty blunt at times and contain player assessments that cover subjects many might find offensive.
im a hawks fan and although the racism is apparent and disgusting I know he did not say it in bad intent. I am black and just upset the hawks have become even less desirable landing spot for a superstar.
Its levels to this racism stuff, I don’t have a clue what this one even meant. Any experienced bigots out there who can explain this one to me?
His comment is NOT surprising to me, remember Jalen Rose’s comment about The Fab Five (or just him) viewing Duke like this ” I hated Duke and I hated everything Duke stood for. Schools like Duke
didn’t recruit players like me. I felt like they only recruited black
players that were Uncle Toms,” Rose said in the documentary. And I bet Grant hill won’t see anything wrong in what Ferry said!
Deng has always been touted as one of the highest-character guys in the league. I liken this to you know some guy who has a great work ethic, high character, and very honest and he happens to come from somewhere deep in the rural south. Many might make mention of his southern heritage by use of such terms as ‘redneck’ or ‘good ole boy’ or ‘he’s got some South in him’. Some southern people might take offense to these type comments since the connotation is often associated with being stupid. Point is, you have to be very careful when it comes to heritage. I think Ferry made a mistake but it doesn’t sound like he has a history of inappropriate behavior towards blacks. Don’t brand someone a racist for a slang-slip. Do educate them for the future.
And then follows it up with ‘And I don’t say that in a bad way’ as a possible attempt to correct what might be construed as a racist comment. He didn’t elaborate so we really don’t know what was meant. He did make a mistake by not clarifying what he said. And now he will suffer.
” would you consider Mexican’s North American? or Canadians North American?”
The question is not whether I would “consider” them North American, (for the record, they are).
The question whether or not anyone would refer to them as North American in the context that Ferry did. The answer to that is no also. And that is because North American is never used used to describe what is thought to be a homogeneous group of people.
African is used to describe black folks.
“So unless there is evidence that Ferry has a history of racist behavior or cultural biases,”
I just read the first piece of evidence.
“Scouting reports can be pretty blunt at times …”
What in the world does race or nationality have to do with a player scouting evaluation? Especially since the consensus is that he was not talking about a style of play associated with a particular region.
The tapdancing that is done to justify bigotry and/or racism is hilarious.
So more xenophobic than racist?
Wade is too Euro.
“african” is not a nationality tho
I wouldn’t want to hang out with Vade. Smoking dirty old cigarettes at halftime. That would have wrecked my career. Lol.
It sounds like he was reading a scouting report compiled by others. Which then makes it seem he doesn’t pre-read before presenting to his bosses. I’d take this as Ferry slacking a bit and then going “Oops! I said that out loud!”
I consider Nash to be Canadian. Mostly because I’m Canadian and we don’t have a rich hoops history. We need everybody we can get!
Black people: when you cry over supposed racial injustices such as these, why do u act surprised when nobody listens about real racial injustices that happen
yeah, there is white africans. i dont get this either.
african is a nationality not a race.
2. all the time.
lol wtf? africa is NOT a nation. its a continent consisting of many nations that actually differ alot in cultures ethnicities and political systems.
its just an ignorant comment by ferry based on culture.
Slavery was happening in africa before the white man got there.
maybe in america it means black not the rest of the world. it refers to someone from africa.
I am not in Ferry’s head so I don’t know what he meant. However, this “african” thing has come up in the NFL about nigerian american prospect Prince Amukarma. This is the EXACT quote from NFL analyst Dan Pompei:
“A lot of NFL people are skeptical about Nigerian players like Amukarma
[sic]. “And it’s not just white men,” one executive said. “It’s whites
and blacks.” It’s still a subtle form of racism. The word on Nigerians:
they are soft, not tough enough and too educated”
I’ve read some harebrained comments trying to explain away Ferry’s words. I am waiting for somebody to tackle this one.
http://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/prince-amukamara-nigerian-nfl-draft/
Hahaha
There were forms of forced labor all over the world, it was called “indentured servants” in Europe, I believe.
But a system of capturing, transporting, selling 12 million Africans to the Americas……….sorry bro, but the white man (not all white people but the ones involved in that “business” and the ones still living off the fruits of 400 years of unpaid labor) owns that one.
Besides, if we want to add to the list of “greatest hits” (pun intended), what about native americans? Did they just decide to commit suicide? or the aborigenes in Australia? or the Maoris in New Zealand? or Apartheid in South Africa?
Nah, we gotta move forward and heal wounds. But trying to weasel out of sh.t, ain’t gonna fly.
I don’t see why ferry would be in trouble for this. Someone wrote a report and he read it out loud. He didn’t write the report. Now, if he reviewed the report before hand and still said that, that’s on him. If that was his first time reading it he deserves a pass.
Life lesson…
When someone starts sentence by saying “I’m not a racist, BUT…”
You can be assured that the next thing that is going to come out of their mouth will be something a racist would say.
You are a god-damned liar.
The classic non-sequitor of racists and their apologists.
But…..can he hear Jimi?
Ferry is also mistaken, Deng is not young.
I disagree. if one were being 100 percent accurate, one would HAVE to call Nash an African-Canadian. because that is what he is.
but , you know, don’t let facts get in the way of your pre conceived notions.
Man, I see you have good intentions, but you don’t know much about Africa.
When people say European players are soft, no one accuses them of being racist. It’s ignorant and a generalization, but it isn’t racist.
Do they say black european players are softer than white european players? And when people say they are soft, they refer to their style of play not character. Also, it it should be noted, Deng is from the UK. SO why didn’t they say he’s european soft then?
Something tells me he’s more of a listener. I could be wrong though.
What cultural differences would cause difficulty? He’s been in the for years, played college ball in the states, and has been living in the UK for most of his life. I’m not sure how evidence of past racist behavior has anything to do with this. Most racists live in the closet.
Because it is not racist.
The same way people used to say say NY point guards can dribble but cannot shoot well.
They are describing a style of play popular in a region.
Ummmm…what exactly do you “disagree” with?
Thanks.
Please school me. Because I have not said anything about Africa other than the common use of the word “African” is the US when referring to blacks humans.
Did levenson try to solve some racial problems? No, he instead tried to villainise hard working people for spending their money to watch a team. Segregation seperated blacks and whites because whites were afraid of blacks. It was racism. I don’t see much of a difference in him saying he wanted more white people and blacks were standing in his way. The public doesn’t have to figure out anything. How about each individual person just decide to be fair in their dealings. If MJ said he didn’t want whites at his games, would you think he’s not racist? Right.
Probably, but what’s he supposed to do, eat it?
Tapdancing for racists and bigots will never get old.
They will contort anything to try and keep it hidden.
Being an open bigot/racist is not as stylish as it used to be.
It’s disheartening to say the least. I wasn’t born here and my family’s lineage is from the Caribbean. It’s shocking to see a group of people treated like this. They helped to build the country, and fought in evey war for the country and are still treated like they don’t belong. If I were a Hawks fan I’d be devastated by this. Apparently your money isn’t welcomed in your own city. Disgrace.
i see him just as a businessman trying to analyze the situation.
some of his statements were off, but mostly he is just stating a situation.
is it really his job to change society for the better as an nba team owner? fight income inequality and try to educate every redneck in georgia? idk man. i wish super rich people would be held accountable for what they take away from others by accumulating insane amounts of money, and be forced to give back way more to the people who make them rich than they currently do. but this isnt really the case under the current system, which is a global problem and a little off topic now.
“How about each individual person just decide to be fair in their dealings”
how about utopia? would be cool, but hardly a realistic scenario.
if mj wouldve refused to play infront of white folks i wouldve had every understanding for that considering the society he used to live in. way back, before he became a part of the problem that is.
No. They say European players are softer than American players. No race is involved. They make a negative general statement about a player based on where he’s from, just like here. And why are you assuming Ferry made comments about Deng’s character? They’re talking about his abilities as a basketball player…it’s a scouting report…
The Ferry situation isn’t racist either. It’s a negative generalization based on the area the player is from. “Pau Gasol is soft because he’s a Euro big” is the same as “Luol Deng is _________ because he’s African”. We don’t know what negative quality Ferry was referring to in the comments.
lol. SO you don’t think the comments had anything to do with his character? Then what exactly could he have been talking about? He even prefaced his remarks by saying: ““He’s a good guy overall. But he’s not perfect. “….What does that have to do with abilities? Are africans unable to play basketball? If so, then MJ shouldn’t have been very good. He has a lot of African blood. Or Hakeem or the majority of players in the NBA.
And I agree when they talk about European players no race is involved because they speak about a general style of play utilized in Europe. Can you think of a geralisation, basketball wise, to fit this context?
We don’t know what negative attribute he was associating with African basketball players. He could’ve meant it to be that he could be undisciplined, or overly aggressive, or some other generic stereotype. Regardless, his comments, including the “good guy overall” should be taken in a basketball/scouting report context unless proven otherwise.
MJ would have been labelled a racist and you know it. Bill Russell played in really racist times and refused to sign autographs. The people of boston didn’t like him and called him a racist because he didn’t like them either.
Levenson is not stating a situation. He’s stating his opinion. Notice how he didn’t say anything he said was based on any research or fact. Now, I know you can’t be saying rednecks are the affluent white he’s speaking of? What super whites do with their money is their business. I don’t care if they are forced to give back anything, but why should people spending their money be marginalised just for being present? If he has said he wanted a more diverse crowd and would like to have a more diverse following, that’s fine. You don’t have to villainise black people as your obstacle. If he felt blacks were keeping then away, no way he expected playing country music would solve that. The simplest solution to fix his team is to get a star and make a more competitive team. The Hawks are garbage. Would you buy their jerseys? If Lebron was there his corporate sponsorship would balloon. Season ticket holders would be too many to accomodate. Blaming blacks won’t improve your poor product. Be glad you have people wasting their money to see that trash.
good guy over, but he’s not perfect. He’s got some african in him. If you think that is meant in sme positive fashion, then there is nothing further for us to speak about.
“The Ferry situation isn’t racist either.” + “We don’t know what negative quality Ferry was referring to in the comments.” = ????
And, like I have pointed out several times, Deng is a British citizen. He is not “from Africa”.
But, you are correct. I do not know for certain if Ferry is a racist. I am fairly certain he is a bigot. Unless he simply has a hard time forming sentences, in which case he is an idiot.
What I know for sure is that Ferry referred to Deng being African has some sort of negative connotation despite Deng’s formative years in basketball, and life itself, were spent in England and the USA.
What could Ferry have been referring to?
“He could’ve meant it to be that he could be undisciplined, or overly aggressive, or some other generic stereotype.”
Except we all have been watching Deng play for over a decade. None of these things apply.
The tapdancing continues unabated.
What are you talking about? I didn’t say it was positive. Just as someone could say Pau’s game is “too European”, Ferry could mean Deng’s is “too African”. We know “European” in that context to be synonymous with “soft” but we don’t know what negative attribute Ferry was attaching to his use of “African”. Regardless, either one isn’t a racist statement.
Did you have trouble reading it? Saying someone’s game is “too European” or “too African” is not a racist comment. We know “European” to be synonymous with “soft” in most conversations where the word is used as a negative. We don’t know what Ferry’s meaning of “African” was. Perhaps it was one of the meanings I suggested, perhaps not. Either one isn’t a racist comment.
Deng is born in Sudan and raised by Sudanese parents. Yes he immigrated to Britain and obtained citizenship. Does that erase his origin and upbringing? Does Deng not identify as Sudanese since his passport looks different? That’s neither here nor there though.
You know that Ferry used “African” as a negative, just like many people use “European” as a negative. Again, neither are racist statements.
And you throw “bigot” around easily. You’re watering down the definition of the world. Someone can say something ignorant without being a bigot.
So why was he fired?
He wasn’t.
He was given a slap on the wrist to show people like you and Cortez that the Hawks will not tolerate even the smallest of inappropriate comments. It’s all PR.
thanks , you just helped my point. Libyans are African, and they are from from black. Egyptians too. Africa is a huge place of 47 nations and hundreds if not thousands of different peoples. You seem to have a very simplistic view of a place that is anything but simple.
Its not obvious enough for you?
I disagree with your statement that no one in the their right mind would refer to Nash as being African,.
Also, African does not equate to black human, as you put it.
Moroccans are African.
Oh..well we’ll see about that.
“he has a little African in him. Not in a bad way, but he’s like a guy who would have a nice store out front but sell you counterfeit stuff out the back.” Ferry completed the racial slur by describing the player (and impliedly, all persons of African descent) as a two-faced liar and cheat.”
…did you just make up a quote to prove your point? If you didn’t, provide a link for it please.
And “African” is not synonymous with “black” in this context. The Hawks have a lot of black players on their squad. Why you think he’d think Luol Deng has too much black in him but think any other player on his squad doesn’t is beyond me.
just before I looked at the receipt 4 $6940 , I have faith that…my… neighbour was actualie earning money part-time at their computer. . there neighbour has been doing this 4 less than seven months and just took care of the depts on there villa and got a great Ford Focus. ..
see here now…. http://WWW.CASHCASH90.COM
u Damn or trying to be clever, am an african living in central africa and i know out rightly that wen a white man says african he seemly means blackman, dont patronise us with that bullshit of libyans are white and african, no, we know wat that ass of a white man meant, period.
“Its not obvious enough for you?”
No.
“Also, African does not equate to black human”
In the USA, yes, it does. NO one refers to Egyptians as African. Nor do they white South Africans.
But continue your tapdancing. The coon train is scheduled to depart shortly.
Egyptians are referred to as EGYPTIANS in the USA. Libyans are referred to as Libyan in the USA…unless we are about to bomb them, then they magically become “African”.
…I wonder why that is?
“Did you have trouble reading it?”
Apparently.
“Does Deng not identify as Sudanese since his passport looks different? That’s neither here nor there though.”
That is right. So why did you bring it up?
“And you throw “bigot” around easily. You’re watering down the definition of the world”
The tapdancing continues unabated.
“Someone can say something ignorant without being a bigot.”
Yep. Now, tell us what “African” attribute Deng has in his game. Because this will be the first time in history I have heard the term used to describe a style of play.
…especially for someone who learned how to play basketball in EUROPE and the USA.
” We don’t know what Ferry’s meaning of “African” was.”
You are correct. I am not in Ferry’s mind so I can never know 100%. However, your idiotic explanation of Ferry describing a style of play makes no sense, so I will stick with my current evaluation.
…until Ferry explains what he meant by “a little African in him”.
Am tired of white racists always, what is wrong if he got some African in him?
They always think of brainwashing Africans, that is bullshit!! Luol Deng is always himself and that is it!!!!!!!!
“And, like I have pointed out several times, Deng is a British citizen.”
You brought it up. Several times apparently. I responded to your comment…then dismissed it because it’s irrelevant.
Saying everyone who says something ignorant that can be even remotely offensive to someone else is a bigot, definitely waters down the meaning of the word. It’s like someone who says everything is “awesome”. The word loses it’s actual potent meaning. But hey, I’m sure me saying so is a defense of all bigotry in your eyes.
“Yep. Now, tell us what “African” attribute Deng has in his game.” “You are correct. I am not in Ferry’s mind so I can never know 100%”
How can I tell you what his meaning was if we’re in the same boat. I forwarded possible explanations. I don’t know why you think saying an aspect of someone’s performance on the court was “African” is “idiotic” when people use “European” as a negative adjective to do the same…
“I will stick with my current evaluation….until Ferry explains what he meant by “a little African in him”.
So everyone is a bigot until proven otherwise? As he just read a scouting report (keyword) of a free agent (key word), I use the principle of charity to assume that the statement was read in the context of a conversation where they were discussing what he can do for them as a player on their team. Call me crazy.
Use google little buddy. Because of his African heritage. Most of the other player are American born. You can try to change what he said all you want, but a owner won’t report you and ask that you be terminated for something if it isn’t bad.
Really? This was what all the controversy is about? People of different races are always going to have skewed views of the other races. I just knew Ferry must have called him an Ni**ger or something! Come on man. I’m a black man and I think this is some BS. Are we that soft now? And wasn’t he just reading the report or did he write it?
That was my original question. I have never heard of any ‘African’ characteristic that would be a problem. It just comes across like Ferry was referring to some issue associated with Deng’s heritage. Almost like it was some inside nba joke.
I looked it up. Couldn’t find anything about Ferry saying that Deng is a two-faced liar and a cheat because he’s African (not black). Please provide proof of your quote if you’re attributing a negative quote to them. Otherwise is just slander/libel.
Africa is a continent. Me saying that you’re being extremely North American would be the same thing as Ferry saying Luol Deng is too African. They’re both not racist statements. If you’re trying to make this a racist comment, you’d have to say that “Africa” is synonymous with “black” in this context. Then it would be Ferry looking at Deng as inferior for being black. This is not the case, as he’s fine with having other black players on his squad. Those players are not “too black” to be a Hawk.
Exactly. It’s the same thing as Europeans knocking the American game as lacking in fundamentals and all about dunking and reliance on athletic ability. Not racist. Culturally biased perhaps.
Stop being so North American bro.
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/09/09/new-version-of-danny-ferry-quote-is-much-worse-hawks-owner-called-for-firing/
Of course you wouldn’t be able to find it. You’re as dumb as a door nail.
“You brought it up. Several times apparently. I responded to your comment…then dismissed it because it’s irrelevant.”
Despite your inability to grasp it, my point was not, and is not, irrelevant. The reason I brought it up is because Deng is not a African nation’s citizen, he plays for the UK national team and learned how to play ball in the UK and the USA. What “African” basketball trait could he have been referring to? More specifically, when has “African” been used to describe a basketball style at all?
“So everyone is a bigot until proven otherwise?”
As soon as they say something that is obviously bigoted, yes.
“I use the principle of charity to assume that the statement was read in the context of a conversation where they were discussing what he can do for them as a player on their team.”
You use the principle of charity? That is without a doubt.
I am still waiting for a rational guess as to what “African” basketball trait he could have been referring to.
I (we) have already described the European style of play in depth and we know, objectively, that Deng learn to play in the UK and the USA. And we know objectively that Deng was born in Sudan, left very early to go to Egypt, then left there at 9 years old to live in the UK.
“Call me crazy.”
You are crazy.
I’m dumb as a door nail because I read what was initially reported? Ok buddy.
And the “blacks being two-faced liars and cheats” is conjecture. It wasn’t something Ferry said. I don’t know what his meaning was with that simile, but I the conjecture is the extreme case negative interpretation.
Say no more. Your brain is stuck on stupid, and I won’t entertain you.
Watch the tapdancing continue.
When he disparaged his character due to having a little African in him, Ferry was clearly talking about how they play basketball in Africa.
…or some other nonsense.
What are the common “African” basketball traits?
You just agreed that his citizenship was neither here nor there…he’s Sudanese just as much as he is British, just as much as he is American. If you’re trying to prove that Ferry’s comments are even more racist because Deng is not Sudanese, then you’re just wrong.
And because no one has said it before makes it racist? Ok.
He didn’t say anything bigoted. The bigoted meanings attributed to his reading of a scouting report are conjecture.
*sigh* In all rational discussion, debate, and any sort of rhetoric, you’re supposed to use the principle of charity.
Just because “European” in terms of basketball performance has set negative meanings, it can’t be seen as racist? Because “African” doesn’t, then it must be? This is ridiculous. But clearly you’ve made up your mind and have decided to crucify Ferry already. Always lovely having an open-minded conversation with you Cort. Keep looking for Klan members in your Corn Flakes.
Good luck buddy. Have you met the Cort Jester? You two will get along swimmingly!
“You just agreed that his citizenship was neither here nor there…”
Did I? That is rich.
“If you’re trying to prove that Ferry’s comments are even more racist because Deng is not Sudanese, then you’re just wrong.”
Wrong again. My comment about Deng’s backgroung is meant to show that Deng has little basketball and first hand social connection to Africa (even though he is a known humanitarian for the region, that has nothing to do with his basketball floor game).
“*sigh* In all rational discussion, debate, and any sort of rhetoric, you’re supposed to use the principle of charity.”
I am “supposed to”? Really? Where did this edict come from?
“Just because “European” in terms of basketball performance has set negative meanings”
Who said it was negative? I said it described a style of play. You may prefer football combined with basketball or consider “physical” play (aka ramming bodies and fouling) great, I do not.
I am still waiting for you (or Ferry) to describe these “African” basketball traits.
“Always lovely having an open-minded conversation with you Cort. ”
Your mind is so open that your good sense fell out of it a long time ago.
“Keep looking for Klan members in your Corn Flakes.”
It is not hard to find them, especially when the use someone’s African heritage as a pejorative.
And you keep pretending like they do not exist by twisting yourself into pretzels trying to explain away their very own words.
Ferry’s complete quote is even worse.
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/09/09/new-version-of-danny-ferry-quote-is-much-worse-hawks-owner-called-for-firing/
Was that criminal store owner comment “African basketball skill related” rr a common scouting report quip?
Keep tapdancing coon.
OOOOOOOOooooooooooooo.
BURN!
:(
keep speaking in absolute terms as if you are speaking for everyone.
Any halfway intelligent person knows Egyptians, Libyans, Moroccans, etc are also African.
This idea you have, that you think everyone in the US also thinks, that “African equals black” is totally lacking perspective and demonstrates your ignorance.
We are done here.
“Any halfway intelligent person knows Egyptians, Libyans, Moroccans, etc are also African. ”
Moron, who said they were not?
They are rarely, if ever, referred to as African.
Tell us, when has Steve Nash EVER been referred to as African, considering that he was born in Africa?
“This idea you have, that you think everyone in the US also thinks, that “African equals black” is totally lacking perspective and demonstrates your ignorance.”
:(
“We are done here.”
Thanks. I would very much like to not go back and forth with idiots like you but I cannot help myself sometimes.
This is the link.
http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/09/09/new-version-of-danny-ferry-quote-is-much-worse-hawks-owner-called-for-firing/
If you google “Danny Ferry”, it’s actually one of the first things that come up. But hey, WTF do I know?
name calling and more ignorance. you are awesome.
What black person cried over this? This was self reported from white owners to a white commissioner.
As I said earlier, I don’t know. I don’t know what he meant. If one believes it was blatantly racist, that’s their perogative. I’m leaning towards it was more of a cultural slant.
To back up your point, when Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt were having uprisings it was referred to as Arab spring…not North African spring or just African spring. North Africa has always been treated differently in America, almost more as an extension of the Middle East rather than a part of Africa.
hahaha
“name calling and more ignorance. you are awesome.”
Yes, I am awesome.
…btw, I thought you were done?
Looks like that is two of us who cannot help themselves.