Loul Deng speaks out after being targeted by racially-insensitive comments; Hawks GM Ferry apologizes

By Robert Christie - 10 Sep '14 14:13PM

Miami Heat forward Loul Deng, the target of a racially insensitive remarks read by Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry in a scouting report, recently spoke out about the issue according to ESPN.

Ferry was reading the report in a meeting with Hawks owners while discussing free agency. Following the reading, the owners launched an investigation into the Hawks operations and uncovered a racially insensitive email Hawks owner Bruce Levenson wrote. (Levenson has since agreed to sell his controlling stake in the team.)

According to ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, there are some who believe Ferry was speaking out loud and not reading an email at all. Here is an excerpt from the scouting report according to the Washington Post:

"He's a good guy overall. But he is not perfect. He's got some African in him. And I don't say that in a bad way."

Here is Deng's statement per the ESPN website:

'HE HAS A LITTLE AFRICAN IN HIM'

"These words were recently used to describe me. It would ordinarily make any African parent proud to hear their child recognized for their heritage.

"I'm proud to say I actually have a lot of African in me, not just 'a little.' For my entire life, my identity has been a source of pride and strength. Among my family and friends, in my country of South Sudan and across the broader continent of Africa, I can think of no greater privilege than to do what I love for a living while also representing my heritage on the highest stage. Unfortunately, the comment about my heritage was not made with the same respect and appreciation.

Recently, Hawks minority owner Michael Gearon Jr. has called for Ferry's job. Ferry has since been disciplined by Hawks CEO Steve Koonin. According to ESPN, Ferry did not specify what the punishment was.

On Tuesday Ferry released a statement, which is posted on the Hawks website, apologizing for the comments which:

"In regards to the insensitive remarks that were used during our due diligence process, I was repeating comments that were gathered from numerous sources during background conversations and scouting about different players. I repeated those comments during a telephone conversation reviewing the draft and free agency process. Those words do not reflect my views, or words that I would use to describe an individual and I certainly regret it. I apologize to those I offended and to Luol, who I reached out to Monday morning.