The NBA is investigating a video of injured forward-center Meyers Leonard using an anti-Semitic slur while playing a video game on Monday.
Leonard is seen playing the “Call of Duty” game and is recorded using the slur while engaged with another gamer on Twitch, where Meyers often plays.
Leonard, who will remain away from the team indefinitely, apologized in a post on Instagram.
“I am deeply sorry for using an anti-Semitic slur during a livestream yesterday,” Leonard wrote. “While I didn’t know what the word meant at the time, my ignorance about its history and how offensive it is to the Jewish community is absolutely not an excuse and I was just wrong.
“I am now more aware of its meaning and I am committed to properly seeking out people who can help educate me about this type of hate and how we can fight it.”
The Heat also released a strongly worded statement.
“The Miami Heat vehemently condemns the use of any form of hate speech,” the team said. “The words used by Meyers Leonard were wrong, and we will not tolerate hateful language from anyone associated with our franchise. To hear it from a Miami Heat player is especially disappointing and hurtful to all those who work here, as well as the larger South Florida, Miami Heat and NBA communities.
“Meyers Leonard will be away from the team indefinitely. The Miami Heat will cooperate with the NBA while it conducts its investigation.”
Heat owner Mickey Arison, and son, Nick, who is the Heat CEO, are Jewish.
“We are shocked and…
