Luol Deng releases statement addressing Hawks controversy

Luol Deng releases statement addressing Hawks controversy

Published Sep. 9, 2014 8:32 p.m. ET

After reports came out earlier this week regarding Atlanta Hawks general manger Danny Ferry's alleged racist comments about then-free agent Luol Deng, the newly signed Miami Heat forward issued a personal statement regarding the issue.

The Sudanese-born NBA All-Star is supremely proud of his African heritage and his message was a powerful one stating that racism has no place within the Atlanta Hawks franchise, professional sports or anywhere else. Though the deep disappointment from Deng is truly felt, he won't let that tarnish his hope for a brighter future and he is happy to be with the Miami Heat organization going forward.

Here is the complete statement released on Tuesday:

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"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.

Concerning my free agency, the focus should purely have been on my professionalism and my ability as an athlete. Every person should have the right to be treated with respect and evaluated as an individual, rather than be reduced to a stereotype. I am saddened and disappointed that this way of thinking still exists today. I am even more disturbed that it was shared so freely in a business setting.

However, there is comfort in knowing that there are people who aren't comfortable with it and have the courage to speak up. In the same way a generalization should not define a group of people, the attitude of a few should not define a whole organization or league.

Ultimately, I'm thankful to be with an organization that appreciates me for who I am and has gone out of its way to make me feel welcome.

You can follow Surya Fernandez on Twitter @SuryaHeatNBA or email him at SuryaFoxSports@gmail.com.

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