NBA writer once fired for Palestine opinions calls out Patrick Beverley for 'genocide apologia' after recent move to Israel
NBA veteran Patrick Beverley left NBA fans stunned recently when he decided to take his talents overseas to play in Israel. In addition to the fact that Beverley had been a longtime staple of the NBA, his decision to travel overseas to play in Israel at a time when the country was at war was surprising to many fans and members of the NBA community.
On Thursday, NBA writer Jackson Frank, who had previously been fired from PhillyVoice for expressing support for Palestine, took aim at the veteran guard. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, he criticized Patrick Beverley for praising his experience in Israel.
The comments came in response to the former NBA standout speaking positively about the great treatment he's received in Israel on "The Pat Bev Podcast," writing:
"Would much rather have PatBev back in the NBA feuding with fans than listen to his genocide apologia all the time now."
Frank, a popular "NBA Twitter" user, who has amassed over 40,000 followers, had previously been a writer for PhillyVoice. When the conflict between Israel and Palestine escalated in 2023, he quoted a post from the Philadelphia 76ers' account declaring that the team stands with Israel.
Frank said the post "Sucks," while making it clear that he stands with Palestine. In response, he was fired from PhillyVoice.
"I'm waking up in paradise" - Patrick Beverley opens up on his experience playing in Israel
Patrick Beverley had long been a staple of the NBA. Since joining the league ahead of the 2012 season, Beverley had earned a reputation as a fierce competitor, a floor general and a locker room leader.
With his outspoken nature, he earned the admiration of fans, while remaining a highly sought-after player well into the twilight years of his career. After the 2023-24 season, Patrick Beverley hit free agency, with fans expecting him to remain in the league in pursuit of an NBA title for the 2024-25 season.
Instead, Patrick Beverley signed a contract to play overseas in Israel, a move he explained was partially fueled by a desire to be the focal point of a team rather than a role player.
This week, while speaking on "The Pat Bev Podcast," the NBA vet spoke about his time in Israel. As he explained, he receives texts and phone calls daily asking if he's okay given the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Despite that, Beverley described his slice of Israel as paradise:
"Im waking up in paradise every day. Every day. The sun is pink when it sets. The city of Tel Aviv, they're giving me private beaches to go to after practice. I sit on the beach for six, seven hours a day. I'm standing in this big-a*s, huge mansion villa.
"Probably one of the best places I ever played basketball. No, cap, it's a beautiful place. Words can't describe it. You honestly have to be here to understand. ... Tel Aviv has been phenomenal. Paradise. Truly paradise."
Despite that, Beverley's stint got off to a slow start, with the veteran guard scoring just three points on 3-12 shooting in his debut game for Hapoel Tel Aviv last week.