Last season, in a video of NBA players wishing a happy Chinese New Year, 76ers guard J.J. Redick said what sounded like a slur for Chinese people:
Redick explained he got tongue-tied, said he didn’t intend to use that word then eventually apologized.
But fans at Philadelphia’s preseason game against the Mavericks in Shanghai today weren’t ready to forgive him. Many booed each time Redick shot, though many also cheered as he made 10-of-10 field-goal attempts, including 7-of-7 3-pointers.
Keith Pompey of The Inquirer:
#Sixers guard JJ Redick on the reaction he received from the Chinese fans and his performance: pic.twitter.com/5IfECgOwAe
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) October 5, 2018
Redick:
Redick, the former Duke star, is certainly familiar with being booed.
This is a mature answer. Whether Redick tripped over his words as he claimed or tried to get away with an inappropriate joke, the best thing he can do is accept responsibility and move forward.