NBA

J.J. Redick under fire for appearing to call Chinese fans ‘C—ks’

J.J. Redick is neither apologizing for nor quite explaining a video that appears to feature his using a slur against Chinese people.

The 76ers shooting guard is included in a video produced by Chinese media company Tencent in which NBA players and coaches wish China a happy new year. Two versions of the compilation appear to exist, one in which Redick has been edited out, the other going viral on YouTube as the former Duke star appears to say, “I just wanted to wish all the NBA c—k fans in China a very happy Chinese new year.”

Redick responded to the outrage on Twitter, saying he is “disappointed” anyone would think he could use that word yet not outright denying he used that word.

“Just saw a video that is being circulated of me wishing a happy new year to NBA fans in China.Clearly I was tongue tied, as the word I purportedly said is not in my vocabulary,” he wrote Sunday. “I’m disappointed that anyone would think I would use that word. I love & respect our friends in China.”

The video features cameos from the likes of Chris Paul and Allen Iverson.

The slur found its way to ESPN.com in 2012, when “Chink in the armor” was blared as a headline regarding then-Knick Jeremy Lin. The editor who wrote the headline was fired.