Heat C Leonard uses slur on stream

Meyers Leonard of the Miami Heat apologized Tuesday night for using an anti-Semitic slur while playing a video game that was being livestreamed. NBA

Leonard acknowledged that he used the term Monday, and said he did not know what it meant at that time. In his apology posted on social media, he said “my ignorance about its history and how offensive it is to the Jewish community is absolutely not an excuse and I was just wrong.”

Leonard also said he was apologizing to team managing general partner Micky Arison and his family, the team’s players, coaches and front office, his family and the Jewish community, among others.

“I acknowledge and own my mistake and there’s no running from something like this that is so hurtful to someone else,” Leonard wrote.

The video began circulating widely on social media Tuesday afternoon. The Heat, who were in the final day of their All-Star break and are not formally resuming practice until Wednesday, had no immediate comment.

It is possible that Leonard may face sanctions from the NBA, which said it was “in the process of gathering more information.”

“The NBA unequivocally condemns all forms of hate speech,” league spokesman Mike Bass said.

Leonard, a 7-foot center in his ninth NBA season, sustained a season-ending shoulder injury in January and appeared in only three games for the Heat this year. He could become a free agent this summer; the Heat hold a team option on him for next season worth about $10 million.