Report: Danny Ferry's racist Luol Deng comment was in scouting report

Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry's racist comment about Miami Heat forward Luol Deng having "some African in him," came from a scouting report on Deng.

Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry's racist comment about Miami Heat forward Luol Deng having "some African in him" came from a scouting report on Deng, reports the Atlanta Journal Constitution and WSB Channel 2, who obtained the report. 

"He's a good guy on the cover but he's an African. He has a little two-step in him=says what you like to hear, but behind closed doors he could be killing you. Con isn't bad, but it's there," is what was in the scouting report. 

The full scouting report on Deng can be found here. The source of comment in question appears to be the Cleveland Cavaliers. 

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In an apology to Deng, Ferry had said that he was "repeating comments that were gathered from numerous sources during background conversations and scouting about different players."

Audio of the conference call where Ferry made the comment was released yesterday.

During the call, Ferry said, "He's a good guy overall, but he's not perfect. He's got some African in him. And I don't say that in a bad way. ... He has a store out front that's beautiful and great, but he may be selling some counterfeit stuff behind you."

Hawks minority owner Michael Gearon reportedly wrote a letter to Levenson requesting Ferry's resignation or firing. The team disciplined Ferry internally, but he reportedly will not be punished further by the NBA.

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On Tuesday, Deng released a statement responding to Ferry's comment, saying, in part, "I’m proud to say I actually have a lot of African in me, not just 'a little.'"

- Molly Geary