The last time that Meyers Leonard set foot on an NBA floor, it was in January 2021. An anti-Semitic insult, in a live Twitch, then seemed to have put an end to his career. Two years later, the interior finally signs his return with a 10-day contract at the Milwaukee Bucks, from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Recovering from shoulder surgery, the athlete at the time decided to use his time off to start streaming. But in full live on a video game, he had had the word too much. By treating a player “female”, an anti-Semitic slur, he immediately caught the attention of the league. The NBA and the Heat then immediately looked into his case.
Leonard’s apology for not knowing “what the word meant at that time”, had not changed anything. The franchise then reacted immediately by “vehemently condemning” the words of their player and removing him from the team. “Meyers Leonard’s comment was inexcusable and hurtful. Such an offensive term has no place in the NBA”had also reproved Adam Silver, the commissioner.
Dropped by the locker room, the coach and everything that follows, the interior had therefore been transferred to the Thunder and cut in stride. Since then, not a sign of life on the floors – except for a quick try with the Lakers this year.
Off the pitch, Meyers Leonard tried to make amends. The athlete has apologized numerous times and immersed himself in the Jewish community in recent years.
“It was through genuine mistake and extreme ignorance that it all started for me, but growing from there is part of the journey. Again, I want to say how sorry I am to those who have been hurt. by my words. I take full responsibility for my ignorance and will continue to improve myself by my actions.”
Today, the Bucks have obviously decided to give him a second chance. The franchise is said to have been tracking his progress for over a year and reportedly gave him a workout last month. Leonard’s profile, 2.13 m and 39% at three points in career, corresponds to the needs identified by the front office. The injury of Giannis Antetokounmpo — who avoided the worst, but could still miss a few matches – has undoubtedly recorded this recruitment.
Beyond the moral question, there are still doubts about Meyers Leonard’s physical abilities. The inside hasn’t played since undergoing shoulder surgery two years ago. He will therefore be tested with this 10-day contract. The deadline to sign a player until the end of the season so that he can participate in the playoffs being set for March 1, Milwaukee will nevertheless have to make a quick decision for the future.
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