Almost two years ago, NBA player Meyers Leonard used the antisemitic slur “k*ke” while livestreaming a video game. He immediately apologized after discovering how offensive it was, stating unequivocally “My ignorance about its history and how offensive it is to the Jewish community is absolutely not an excuse and I was just wrong.” But he was suspended by the NBA for a week and fined $50,000. His career was later derailed.
ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap recently interviewed Meyers. It is a must-watch. Just have some tissues nearby.
There is no doubt in my mind that Meyers is sincere, and his owning up to his words, while acting to make a positive difference, is truly inspiring. The way the Chabad Rabbi and the Jewish community have acted towards him with grace also fill me with pride.
