Updated at 12:50 a.m.
Early Sunday, a video surfaced on social media that appeared to put Sixers' guard JJ Redick in an extremely poor light. Redick has since responded to clear up the situation.
Here's what happened:
At about 8 a.m., a post appeared on Reddit showing a screenshot and caption alleging that Redick said a racial slur during a video from NBA players wishing Chinese fans a Happy New Year. The video caused a huge uproar on social media. If you wish to see the video, it is located here, at the top.
On the surface, without a response, it looked odd from the start. Redick, who we have come to know as a well-spoken individual who is typically very appreciative of basketball fans, isn't someone you'd expect this from, let alone with a camera pointing directly at his face with an NBA microphone in front of his lips.
He offered this response on his official Twitter account, saying he was tongue-tied and had no intentions of saying what he did on the video.
Just saw a video that is being circulated of me wishing a happy new year to NBA fans in China.Clearly I was tongue tied, as the word I purportedly said is not in my vocabulary. I'm disappointed that anyone would think I would use that word. I love & respect our friends in China.— JJ Redick (@JJRedick) February 18, 2018
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Fans reacted on both sides of the issue, some still asking for an apology and others taking Redick for his word.
On Sunday night, Redick followed up with a longer statement on his Twitter and Instagram, where he further explained himself and indeed issued an apology.
Early Monday, Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin tweeted a statement saying that he spoke with Redick and believes the Sixers' guard didn't say a racial slur.
wanted to address this... pic.twitter.com/3oB2mUvQpc— Jeremy Lin (@JLin7) February 19, 2018
With the All-Star Break going on, Redick won't be available for a few more days for the media to ask him about this. There's a chance this story will continue into next week.
