Meyers Leonard hasn’t played in an NBA game since January 9, 2021. In March of that year, Leonard was suspended after using an antisemitic slur while live-streaming himself playing a video game.
Leonard served that suspension and has spent two years rehabbing from ankle and shoulder injuries. The 30-year-old center offered no excuses for what he said, but acknowledged he expects to get another shot at the NBA.
“I feel like I’m living in a bad dream,” Leonard told Jeremy Schaap of ESPN. “There’s not a hateful cell in my body. And I know that I made a huge, huge mistake.”
Leonard recently worked out for the Los Angeles Lakers and believes he’s ready to return to the court after his two-year absence. Leonard has spent time holding himself accountable for using antisemitic language, while also trying to educate others on that harm of such language.
Said NBA spokesman Mike Bass: “Since his use of a derogatory and unacceptable term in 2021, Meyers Leonard has been held accountable and has dedicated considerable time and effort to understand the impact of his comment. He has met with numerous leaders in the Jewish community and participated in community programs to educate himself and use his platform to share his learnings with others.”
