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NBA

Why was Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards fined by the NBA?

With a ‘slap on the wrist,’ the question that’s left unanswered is ‘whether or not the NBA is serious about homophobia?’

Update:
Anthony Edwards con los Minnesota Timberwolves
Joe MurphyGetty

Apparently not content with just playing the villain in Netflix’s recent sports drama, the Timberwolves star’s words have seemingly landed him in trouble in real life.

Timberwolves’s Anthony Edwards fined by the NBA

According to an NBA announcement on Tuesday, Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been fined $40,000 for making derogatory and offensive comments on social media. Earlier this month, Edwards posted homophobic comments in reference to a video that he posted on Instagram, in which a group of shirtless men can be seen. In the video, which Edwards himself recorded from his car with the window rolled down, the Timberwolves guard can be heard speaking, however, it does not appear as if the men he is referencing can hear what he’s saying. The video has since been deleted, and Edwards has issued an apology on Twitter.

“What I said was immature, hurtful, and disrespectful, and I’m incredibly sorry,” Edwards wrote. “It’s unacceptable for me or anyone to use that language in such a hurtful way, there’s no excuse for it, at all. I was raised better than that!

The Timberwolves address Anthony Edwards’ homophobic post

Following news of his sanction, The Timberwolves released a statement in which they addressed Edwards’ offensive video. “We are disappointed in the language and actions Anthony Edwards displayed on social media,” read the statement. “The Timberwolves are committed to being an inclusive and welcoming organization for all and apologizes for the offense this has caused to so many.”

It should be said, that though the NBA has made significant strides in recent years where homophobia in the league is concerned, it still an all too present blotch on its CV. Granted there have been no high-profile players such as Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant, Rajon Rondo and the late Kobe Bryant - all of whom were punished for similar actions - but the problem persists. Is it a simply part of the process, or is there more that can be done? A question, that will need answering if the league’s stance on homophobia is to be credited.