Meyers Leonard Apologizes for Use of Anti Semitic Slur As He Returns to the NBA

• Meyers Leonard has broken his silence after returning to the NBA for the first time since 2021
• While recovering from an injury Leonard used an anti-Semitic slur during a video game live stream
• He said using the slur was the biggest mistake in his life

Meyers Leonard has said uttering an anti-Semitic slur was the biggest mistake of his life as he prepares to make his comeback to the NBA. He recently signed a 10-day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.

The 30-year-old hasn't played in the NBA since January 2021. While recovering from an injury, he uttered an anti-Semitic slur during a video game live stream. He was subsequently suspended for a week by the NBA and fined $50,000.

After those events, the Miami Heat traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder and was immediately waived. Several teams have shown interest in his signature, but the Bucks are the first team to sign him.

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Leonard has played for the Portland Trail Blazers and the Heat since being drafted 11th overall in the 2012 NBA Draft. He has averaged 5.6 points and 3.9 rebounds and played 28 playoff games for the Blazers, per USA Today.

Leonard apology

The Bucks signed the 30-year-old big man to a 10-day contract on Wednesday and is expected to make his debut when teams return to action after the All-Star break, per the Athletic.

Leonard addressed the media for the first time since signing for the Bucks.

“It’s a mixed bag of emotions, for sure. It’s certainly the hardest two-year stretch I’ve ever had in my life, as an adult, as a man. The truth is – let’s just cut to it – I made a really big mistake, the biggest mistake of my life. It was an extremely difficult time because, first of all, just let me say to anybody who’s listening, I’m incredibly sorry. It was an ignorant mistake."

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Since he made the slur, he has taken steps to atone for his mistake.

"I want to make it right day after day, week after week, coming up on two years (since) the mistake happened. I’ve learned so much about myself as a man, about the Jewish community, just maturing in general.”

With recent injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis, the big man will be a welcome addition to the team. He will add depth to the Bucks' rotation as Antetokounmpo recovers.

Bridges to return to NBA

Sports Brief earlier reported on Miles Bridges, hinting that he may return to NBA action in March, months after he was accused of domestic violence.

Bridges is a free agent, and his representative's held talks with the Charlotte Hornets about a possible deal.

He was charged with assaulting his girlfriend in front of their two children in June 2022.

He pleaded no contest three months ago and agreed to three years' probation and no jail time.