Andrew Wiggins scored 40 points to lead the Timberwolves to an emotional win in the coaching debut of Ryan Saunders on Tuesday night, but then found himself in hot water for what many people believe was a anti-gay slur.
It was widely reported that Wiggins said Oklahoma City guard Dennis Schroder “was just gay” with how he reacted angrily after teammate Nerlens Noel was injured in a collision with Wiggins at the rim.
Wiggins denied uttering those words and sent out a pair of tweets, one clarifying what he claims he actually said and another saying he has nothing but respect for the LGBTQIA community.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with him he was just getting… acting crazy for no reason,” wrote Wiggins, clarifying what reporters misconstrued as “was just gay.”
Id like to clarify what I said tonight during my post game media session. I said: “I don’t know what’s wrong with him he was just getting… acting crazy for no reason”.
— andrew wiggins (@22wiggins) January 9, 2019
I have the utmost love and respect for the LGBTQIA community and I would never use any term to disrespect them in anyway.
— andrew wiggins (@22wiggins) January 9, 2019
Here’s video of Wiggins’ comment so you can decided for yourself if you think he said “gay” or “getting.”
https://twitter.com/EyeAmTruth/status/1082851096257687553
According to ESPN, the NBA has a history of punishing players who use anti-gay slurs, including a $25,000 fine given to Nuggets star Nikola Jokic for using derogatory language last season.
Earlier this week, Wolves guard Derrick Rose found himself in hot water for nonchalantly telling anyone who doubts him to “kill yourself.” Rose apologized and said it was a poor choice of words.
