LeBron James Apologizes for Using Offensive Term When Talking About Kevin Durant

Wednesday wasn't a great night for LeBron James and the Miami Heat. Not only did they give up a substantial lead against Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder en route to a loss (112-95), but LeBron found himself in a situation where he felt the need to apologize after the game.

It wasn't for anything during the game, but was for something he said prior to tip-off.

@HoopsonFOX/Twitter

Before the game he was asked about Kevin Durant's growth as a passer and responded with this:

"I actually think that’s a pretty funny thing when people say ‘people’s growth of passing the ball.’ That is retarded to me. Kevin Durant’s growth of being a passer? That’s part of basketball.”

After the game he made a quick statement about it before taking any questions:

“I used the word ‘retarded’ before the game. Obviously it had nothing to do with kids that are underprivileged. It’s no knock on them. It’s a word that’s been around for a long time where I grew up. It’s a bad habit. I’ll try to break it. If I use it again– I’m gonna try to do my best not to. I mean no disrespect.”

It isn't the first time he has said the word in a derogatory fashion. A couple of years ago he used it in reference to a reporter:

People say a lot of things that they shouldn't. It is a word that has been around for a long time and sadly probably will remain around for even more. A quick search on Twitter of 'LeBron James retarded' reveals thousands of tweets referring to him in that way. Clearly he is not the only one with that bad habit.

He did recognize his mistake though and apologize for it without having to be asked. Not too many folks would do so. For that he deserves a lot of credit--so well done LeBron. Well done indeed.

[H/T PBP]

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