Inside The Heat

Miami Heat Issue Official Statement Regarding Claims About Haitian Immigrants

Anthony Pasciolla

Jan 19, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat president Pat Riley speaks during the jersey retirement ceremony for former player Udonis Haslem during halftime of the game between the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Jan 19, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat president Pat Riley speaks during the jersey retirement ceremony for former player Udonis Haslem during halftime of the game between the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images / Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

The town of Springfield, Ohio, is under heavy political fire over the past week because of a comment made by former United States President Donald Trump.

The Miami Heat are one of the latest organizations to issue a statement regarding the matter.

"The Miami HEAT staff, like Miami itself, is a diverse and brilliant mix of vibrant cultures, including many members of our Haitian community," the post stated. "The false narrative surrounding them is hurtful and offensive and has sadly made innocent people targets of hateful speech and physical threats."

"Our Haitian employees, fans and friends deserve better," the post concluded.

The claims made by the 45th President and his running mate, J.D. Vance, involve Haitian immigrants stealing and eating pets in Ohio. Miami-Dade County is home to one of the country's most dense populations of Haitians. Of the county's 2.7 million residents, about 3.7% are Haitians, who also comprise about 2.4% of the state's population, according to NBC News.

The recent spotlight on Springfield forced schools to close in recent days due to bomb threats.

One of the Heat's play-by-play announcers, Eric Reid, responded to the team's post with heavy praise.

"There are so many reasons I am proud to work for the Miami HEAT," Reid wrote. "An organization that is never afraid of standing up and speaking out for truth, justice and what is right or in this case for what is so terribly wrong."

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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com