Wiggins clarifies derogatory comments

Timberwolves star says he has utmost ‘respect’ for LGBTQ community

OKLAHOMA CITY— Saying he respects the gay and lesbian community, Canadian basketball star Andrew Wiggins tried Wednesday to clarify comments he made about Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dennis Schroder’s behaviour during a heated game.

Thunder centre Nerlens Noel was taken off the court on a stretcher in the third quarter after Wiggins, a Timberwolves forward, collided with Noel on a dunk attempt Tuesday night.

Schroder, unhappy about the play and other incidents in what was a testy game, eventually was given a technical foul for an altercation with Timberwolves guard Jeff Teague.

After the game, Wiggins said Schroder’s actions were unwarranted.

According to audio from the locker room, Wiggins appeared to say: “He was just gay. He was acting crazy for no reason.”

A few hours later, Wiggins tried on social media to clarify his comments.

“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,’ ” he tweeted.

In his next post, Wiggins said: “I have the utmost love and respect for the LGBTQIA community and I would never use any term to disrespect them in anyway.”

The public comments were made after a competitive game, during which Noel was injured.

On the dunk attempt, Noel — placed in concussion protocol on Wednesday — took an elbow in the face as Wiggins went up, and Noel’s head hit the ground.

A foul was called on Noel. The play was reviewed, and no additional fouls were called. Noel was down for several minutes before being taken from the court.

Wiggins said he didn’t mean to hurt Noel. “I just tried to make an aggressive move and dunk.”

Minnesota won 119-117.