Miami’s Luol Deng Releases Statement

Miami Heat forward Luol Deng released the following statement Tuesday:

“HE HAS A LITTLE AFRICAN IN HIM”

“These words were recently used to describe me.  It would ordinarily make any African parent proud to hear their child recognized for their heritage.

“I’m proud to say I actually have a lot of African in me, not just “a little”. For my entire life, my identity has been a source of pride and strength. Among my family and friends, in my country of South Sudan and across the broader continent of Africa, I can think of no greater privilege than to do what I love for a living while also representing my heritage on the highest stage. Unfortunately, the comment about my heritage was not made with the same respect and appreciation.

via Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel