Gilbert Arenas has faced significant backlash following a xenophobic rant after Team USA’s narrow 101-100 victory over South Sudan in an Olympic tune-up game. Arenas, criticizing the team’s performance, made derogatory comments about the South Sudanese players, referring to them as “Africans” and “Ahi Ahi tribe.”
Source: @talkbasket Gilbert Arenas made a xenophobic rant after Team USA’s win over South Sudan https://t.co/Bng2mfKb9P
— BetNBA.eu (@BetNBAeu) July 23, 2024
He also accused Joel Embiid, born in Cameroon, of deliberately underperforming to favor his “cousins.”
Gilbert Arenas Goes on Xenophobic Rant About the South Sudan Olympic Squad After Team USA Nearly Loses Exhibition Game only on https://t.co/8EmqyZ5Yn0 #WeGotUs #SourceLove https://t.co/UDKIwhUMpo
— The Source Magazine (@TheSource) July 23, 2024
Arenas’s comments, made in jest, were widely condemned on social media. Embiid called the remarks “unfortunate.” Arenas has not publicly responded. Team USA begins their Olympic campaign in Paris next week.
Key Points:
- Arenas faced backlash for xenophobic comments after Team USA’s win over South Sudan.
- He derogatorily referred to South Sudanese players and accused Embiid of underperforming.
- His comments, made in jest, sparked significant criticism.
- Embiid called the remarks “unfortunate.”
- Team USA begins their Olympic campaign in Paris next week.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News