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2014 NBA All-Star Game Red Carpet

Atlanta Hawks and NBA legend Dominique Wilkins is reportedly extremely interested in owning the Hawks, reports TMZ.

Wilkins already holds a front office job with the Hawks and has been pre-approved for ownership by the NBA. He also does commentary for locally televised Hawks games. The former basketball great has reportedly partnered with a well-known businessman who believes Wilkins would be the best person to lead the Hawks.

Meanwhile, another NBA legend, Magic Johnnson, tweeted his response to the controversy surrounding the Hawks and co-owner Bruce Levenson, who is selling his share of the team after racially-insensitive e-mails he sent were made public. Hawks GM Danny Ferry is also under fire for reading a scouting report about then free agent Luol Deng in a business meeting. While Ferry didn’t write the scouting report, many people found the language offensive. The report referred to Deng, who is Sudanese, as someone who has “a little African in him.” Deng later signed with the Miami Heat.

Magic called for Ferry to resign and more in the following tweets:

Luol Deng also issued the following statement in response to the controversy:

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 do 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.

Concerning my free agency, the focus should purely have been on my professionalism and my ability as an athlete. Every person should have the right to be treated with respect and evaluated as an individual rather than be reduced to a stereotype. I am saddened and disappointed that this way of thinking still exists today. I am even more disturbed that it was shared so freely in a business setting.

However, there is comfort in knowing that there are people who aren’t comfortable with it and have the courage to speak up. In the same way a generalization should not define a group of people, the attitude of a few should not define a whole organization or league.

Ultimately, I’m thankful to be with an organization that appreciates me for who I am and has gone out of its way to make me feel welcome.

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2014 NBA Draft Fashion
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