Julian Edelman’s All-Star Response to Anti-Semitism
“There is no room for anti-Semitism in this world,” says Edelman: “This world needs a little more love, compassion and empathy.”
“So we’ve never met,” began Julian Edelman in an open letter to his fellow professional athlete, NBA player Meyers Leonard, “I hope we can one day soon. I’m sure you’ve been getting lots of criticism for what you said. Not trying to add to that, I just want to offer some perspective.”
Meyers Leonard had recently run afoul of NBA standards, and a whole lot more, when he was caught uttering an anti-Semitic slur during a live-streamed video game. “F — — cowards, don’t f — -ing snipe me, you f — ing k — — b — ,” Leonard could be heard saying in a moment that quickly went viral.
Meyers Leonard has since apologized, posting to Instagram that he regrets his behavior. The Miami Heat has announced that it will fine Meyers Leonard $50,000 and suspend him for a week. He will also be required to attend a cultural diversity training program.
“Meyers Leonard’s comment was inexcusable and hurtful and such an offensive term has no place in the NBA or in our society,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
Across the social media influence-sphere, athletes, pundits, and luminaries were quick to join Silver in condemning Leonard. Julian Edelman, who…
