Anthony Edwards should NOT be canceled for the homophobic remarks he recently made — and that’s coming from one of the biggest LGBTQ organizations in the world, which tells TMZ Sports it wants to sit down with the NBA star and believe he can be an ally going forward.
PFLAG — the leading organization for LGBTQ+ people, families and allies — tells us it saw the IG video posted by the Minnesota Timberwolves guard, where he made offensive comments about a group of shirtless men hugging each other on a sidewalk.
“Look at these queer ass n****s, man,” Edwards said in the clip posted this weekend, adding … “Look at the world I came to.”
Instagram / @theanthonyedwards_
Edwards apologized after the video circulated on social media … saying his actions were “immature, hurtful, and disrespectful, and I’m incredibly sorry.”
Some have accepted the apology … while some haven’t.
Jean-Marie Navetta — Director of Learning and Inclusion for PFLAG National — says while the video is “an unfortunate reminder that equality and inclusion are still an elusive goal,” there’s a partnership that can now be formed that benefits all.
“The impact that public figures like professional athletes have is tremendous, and in this case, the message that was sent was of shame and ridicule. But, PFLAG believes that allies are all on a journey, and we hope this will be the beginning of a journey towards allyship for Anthony Edwards — and we’re here and ready to help.”
It’s not that what 21-year-old Edwards said wasn’t bad … it clearly was homophobic. In fact, Navetta calls the behavior “disappointing and hurtful,” but there’s nothing to be gained by cutting Anthony off.
The group would also like to see the NBA step up and make clear it values the LGBTQ community.
“While no organization can possibly manage the beliefs and behaviors of everyone employed, when situations like this one arise, it’s a powerful opportunity for organizations to step up and affirm their values, contrast them with what transpired, and spotlight the work happening inside the organization.”
Bottom line for the organization … “What we’re looking for is a commitment to action to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Criticism is easy. Change takes work.”