Breaking: JJ Redick Faces Backlash for Response to Allegation of Racial Slur.
Controversy Erupts Just Days into Redick’s Tenure as Lakers Head Coach
Less than 48 hours into his role as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Redick is embroiled in controversy following allegations of using a racial slur during his time at Duke University.
Redick, a former Duke basketball star and NBA player for 15 years, was accused by Halleemah Nash, an author, speaker, and Duke alumna. Nash took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her experience, stating, “I’ve only been called the N-word to my face by a white man once in my life, and it was on the campus of Duke University while I was doing work with the basketball team. And today he was named the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. What a world.”
In response, Redick and his representatives have categorically denied the allegation. A spokesperson told TMZ Sports, “No, it never happened.”
Redick, who retired from the NBA in 2021, transitioned to a career as an NBA analyst for ESPN and was the lead analyst for the 2024 NBA Finals on ABC. Commenting on his new role with the Lakers, Redick said, “This process has been surreal, to say the least. I take this responsibility very seriously… The Lakers have some of the most passionate fans around the world, and the expectation is a championship, and so it’s my job to deliver a championship-caliber team. That’s what I signed up for.”
Despite having no prior coaching experience in the NBA, Redick emphasized his extensive basketball background. “I have zero coaching experience in the NBA, but I would argue that I’m very experienced. It started 22 years ago when I went to Duke,” he stated.
Redick also confirmed that the podcast he co-hosted with LeBron James will be discontinued as he focuses on his new role, which is considered one of the most challenging coaching positions in the NBA.
Leave a Reply