When Meyers Leonard used anti-semitic slur "k**e" and was let go by Miami Heat in 2021: How it compares to the Kyrie Irving situation in 2022
NBA players Kyrie Irving and Meyers Leonard were among the most recent athletes who were condemned for making anti-semitic remarks. Irving promoted a movie with anti-semitic content and hateful speech. The Brooklyn Nets superstar issued unapologetic statements, garnering plenty of criticism.
"I’m not going to stand down on anything that I believe in,” said Irving.
He added:
“I’m only going to get stronger because I’m not alone. I have a whole army around me.”
His threatening comments on the situation left everyone baffled. From fans to analysts and even former players, everyone called out the seven-time All-Star for his ignorance towards the situation.
Meyers Leonard found himself in a similar situation to Kyrie Irving in March 2021. Leonard used an anti-semitic slur while playing a video game on a live stream. The then-Miami Heat reserve center called another fellow streamer a "k**ke b**tch."
Meyers Leonard's anti-semitic slur controversy: what happened since
Meyers Leonard got suspended by the league for one week after an investigation confirmed his use of an anti-semitic slur on an online stream. Leonard was with the Miami Heat at the time. He was on their roster before getting traded to the OKC Thunder for veteran forward Trevor Ariza.
Leonard was injured that season. He was set to be on the sidelines for the entire year. His off-court controversy didn't help his case either, as the Thunder released him. The organization suspended Leonard from participating in team activities after acquiring him from Miami.
Meyers Leonard has been out of the league since then. The center hasn't played professionally elsewhere. Many believed his off-court controversy kept him off the court. However, injuries also contributed to that.
Leonard faced the possibility of not playing basketball again when he underwent ankle surgery in April 2021. However, he recovered after undergoing rehabilitation and training.
In an interview with the Chicago Tribune earlier this year, Meyers Leonard revealed NBA teams had been reaching out to him. However, he is yet to make his return to the league.
How does Meyers Leonard's situation compare to Kyrie Irving's
Kyrie Irving and Meyers Leonard were condemned because of a similar offense. Both have been found guilty of anti-semitism. Irving's situation compares differently to Leonard's on some accounts. The former promoted the movie on Twitter and refused to accept the negative impact his actions could have made in the process.
Irving stood by his thoughts about the movie and the content that he chose to promote, despite the public backlash he faced for his remarks on the situation. Irving apologized for his comments and took accountability after the Brooklyn Nets announced they were suspending the seven-time All-Star guard for five games without pay.
“To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize,” said Irving, through a recent Instagram post.
Meanwhile, Meyers Leonard was guilty of using an anti-semitic slur. The former Miami Heat center immediately admitted he was in the wrong. Leonard said he didn't understand the depth of the situation as he was unaware of the meaning of the slur he used.
He apologized for not learning about Jewish history. Leonard was highly apologetic for his actions, which was one of the most significant differences between his situation than Kyrie Irving's.
However, there has been a stark difference between how the NBA handled Meyers Leonard's and Irving's situation, despite their opposite reactions to the backlash they received. Leonard got suspended for a week and fined $50,000. Meanwhile, he was also suspended by the teams he represented.
Leonard eventually found himself out of the league and is still looking for a job. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets and the NBA were lenient with Kyrie Irving, even after his unapologetic comments. It was only until the outpouring criticism that the league and the Nets organization took action against Irving.