Paul George weighed in on the Ray Rice controversy today and then he quickly backpedaled.
The Indiana Pacers star seemingly defended Ray Rice on Twitter. He said that hitting a woman was wrong, but at the same time said that he tried to justify Rice’s actions by saying that Janay Rice was also being violent. Paul George also said that he wanted to see Rice back in the NFL.
What not to tweet, by Paul George pic.twitter.com/I9aCZWunnV
— Bobby Light (@KaneZipperman) September 11, 2014
The tweets have been deleted and Paul George has issued an apology. In a text message to an ESPN reporter, he writes: “It’s not cool to hit women I KNOW that … And that’s not what I’m sayin I would never condone that. I was originally just trying to say if we gone come down hard on Ray Rice come down hard on all crime.”
Let me apologize to the women and to the VICTIMS of domestic violence people my intent was not to downplay the situation..
— Paul George (@Yg_Trece) September 11, 2014
George also issued a public apology through the Pacers. The NBA star writes: “I want to apologize to all victims of domestic abuse for my insensitive tweets. They were obviously without proper understanding of the seriousness of the situation and I sincerely regret my poor choice of words.”
Still, the NBA star is drawing plenty of criticism for his comments. The NBA is reportedly looking into Paul George’s comments and Larry Bird, the owner of the Pacer, released a statement today condemning George’s comments.
Statements from Pacers President Larry Bird and Paul George: https://t.co/X9xm14yGI4 pic.twitter.com/heulRmrBZg
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) September 11, 2014
Bird said: “Paul George’s tweets from earlier were thoughtless and without regard to the subject of domestic violence and its seriousness in society. We have talked to Paul to strongly express our displeasure and made it clear that the NBA and the Pacers’ organization will not condone or tolerate remarks of this nature. Paul understands that he was wrong and why his tweets were so inappropriate and is very apologetic.”
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