Heat's Leonard apologizes for using anti-Semitic slur

Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard looks on from the bench during the first half against the Toronto Raptors at American Airlines Arena. Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Heat's Meyers Leonard apologizes for using anti-Semitic slur during video game stream

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/10/21

Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard apologized Tuesday night for using an anti-Semitic slur during a video game stream on Twitch.

The 29-year-old released a statement on social media, claiming he "didn't know what the word meant at the time" and that his "ignorance about its history and how offensive it is to the Jewish community is absolutely not an excuse."

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A post shared by Meyers Leonard (@meyersleonard)

Leonard was caught on video saying, "F—— cowards, don't f—— snipe at me you f—— K— b—-" while playing "Call of Duty."

The NBA released a statement on Tuesday about the incident, saying they were "aware of the video" and were gathering "more information" before adding that they "unequivocally condemn all forms of hate speech."

Miami also announced that Leonard will be away from the team "indefinitely" after using the slur, saying the organization "vehemently condemns the use of any form of hate speech."

pic.twitter.com/f8rLKCkS5i
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 10, 2021

According to Andy Slater of Fox Sports 640 Florida, Leonard lost his gaming sponsorship with ORIGIN PC due to the incident.

SLATER SCOOP: Meyers Leonard’s gaming sponsorship has been cancelled, a source tells me.

The computer company, ORIGIN PC, made the move after the Heat player used an anti-Semitic slur online.
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) March 9, 2021

Many believed the Heat would part ways with Leonard during the offseason, even before the incident occurred. He appeared in only three games this season before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery.

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