Luol Deng issues statement on Hawks controversy: 'Proud to say I actually have a lot of African in me'

Luol Deng released a statement Tuesday in response to the situation in Atlanta, where documents have surfaced that indicate general manager Danny Ferry made racist remarks about Deng in a front-office free agent conference call.

The comments led to an internal investigation in the Hawks organization that resulted in Bruce Levenson self-reporting his own racially insensitive remarks and announcing he will sell his controlling ownership interest. In a letter from minority owner Michael Gearon to Levenson dated June 12, Ferry's comments are outlined:

With respect to one potential free agent, a highly-regarded African-American player and humanitarian, Ferry talked about the player's good points, and then went on to describe his negatives, stating that "he has a little African in him. Not in a bad way, but he's like a guy who would have a nice store out front but sell you counterfeit stuff out of the back." Ferry completed the racial slur by describing the player as a two-faced liar and cheat.

Deng, who was born in South Sudan and emigrated to Britain with his family, and who is known as one of the league's most charitable and humanitarian players, issued a statement on Tuesday, relayed below via the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

From the statement:

"HE HAS A LITTLE AFRICAN IN HIM"

These words were recently used to describe me. It would ordinarily make any African parent proud to hear their child recognized for their heritage.

I'm proud to say I actually have a lot of African in me, not just "a little". For my entire life, my identity has been a source of pride and strength. Among my family and friends, in my country of South Sudan and across the broader continent of Africa, I can think of no greater privilege than to do what I love for a living while also representing my heritage on the highest stage. Unfortunately, the comment about my heritage was not made with the same respect and appreciation.

Concerning my free agency, the focus should purely have been on my professionalism and my ability as an athlete. Every person should have the right to be treated with respect and evaluated as an individual, rather than be reduced to a stereotype. I am saddened and disappointed that this way of thinking still exists today. I am even more disturbed that it was shared so freely in a business setting.

However, there is comfort in knowing that there are people who aren't comfortable with it and have the courage to speak up. In the same way a generalization should not define a group of people, the attitude of a few should not define a whole organization or league.

Ultimately, I’m thankful to be with an organization that appreciates me for who I am and has gone out of its way to make me feel welcome.

Measured, classy and dignified. His comments are, quite frankly, nails.