Patrick Beverley courts controversy after citing controversial religious stereotype: "Not all Jewish people are cheap"
Patrick Beverley may have just stirred the controversy pot ahead of his Hapoel Tel Aviv stint. The NBA journeyman inked a two-year, $4 million deal with the Israeli Basketball Premier League outfit, including additional benefits where the club is willing to promote his podcast and sell merchandise.
In the latest episode of his 'The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone', the guard courted controversy citing a religious stereotype when trying to shut down trolls for their views on his deal being the largest ever the club has offered.
"Not all Jewish people are cheap. The guy that gave me this contract, he was pretty generous."
The schedule sees Beverley head to Bulgaria this month for a training camp till August 19. The team later travels to Tel Aviv, and then to Belgrade, Serbia. The 36-year-old made it clear that his decision to go overseas was mainly because he didn't want to ink minimum deals in the NBA citing the likes of Kyle Lowry or Russell Westbrook who didn't agree to that type of a deal.
"I played a great role": Patrick Beverley grateful for being in the NBA, but says he wants more out of his career
Speaking on the same episode, Patrick Beverley expressed he was grateful for being in the NBA. He forayed into the league in 2013 and had stints with the Houston Rockets, LA Clippers, Minnesota Timberwolves, LA Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and the Milwaukee Bucks.
"It's cool. I played a great role, I had a phenomenal NBA career when I was in the NBA. But I don't want to stand in the corner. I had a game when I played with the Bucks. We went Game 5, ball in my hands, dippsy doo, double-double. In the starting five, there are four of us, me, John Stockton, Steph Curry, and Chris Paul. And then Game 6, we get a little healthy, ball out of my hand. Not because I did anything wrong, because it's hierarchy. I'm like, 'Nah, I don't think it's the best brand for me.'"
While he is taking his talents overseas, Patrick Beverley has not ruled out an NBA return. After being a journeyman in the league, known for his locker room presence and vital defensive skillset, the guard will have interested takers if he does decide to make a comeback after his Tel Aviv run. For now, it will be interesting to see how he fares as the team's key player.