Former Miami Heat Player Meyer Leonard Still To Rebound After Using An Antisemitic Slur Derailed His NBA Career

Leonard hasn't played a game since Jan. 9, 2021

Former Miami Heat center Meyers Leonard is still hoping for a second chance in the NBA. 

Leonard hasn't played in more than two years after his use of an antisemitic slur ruined his once promising career. After using the term on while playing video games online, Leonard was traded from the Heat to the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

A week later, Leonard was waived by the Thunder. 

"There are absolutely no excuses for what happened that day," Leonard said during an interview on ESPN's E60. "Ignorance sadly is a very real thing and that's what I was. I am not running from this." 

Our interview with @MeyersLeonard, the former Portland and Miami center who is hoping to return to the NBA. Nearly two years ago, he used an antisemitic slur while playing Call of Duty on Twitch. A warning--this story includes offensive language. pic.twitter.com/rWmt48Y8ID

— Jeremy Schaap (@JeremySchaap) February 1, 2023

Leonard said he just wants another chance to restart his career. 

"I felt like I had just destroyed my life and everything that I had ever worked for, to be honest," Leonard said. "People had every right to make assumptions about me." 

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