Stephen Jackson — Comments could have been clearer but had nothing to do with anti-Semitism – ESPN

Stephen Jackson asked forgiveness Wednesday night for utilizing what he stated were the “incorrect words” in protecting DeSean Jackson, however the former NBA player informed CNN that what he stated a day earlier ought to not be misinterpreted as assistance for anti-Semitism.
” As I first mentioned when I got on here, I mightve changed my words,” Jackson informed CNN. “But theres absolutely nothing that stated that I support any of that. Theres nothing that I said that I dislike anyone.”
Jackson received criticism throughout Wednesday for saying that DeSean Jackson was “speaking the reality” with his social networks posts in current days that included an anti-Semitic message that he attributed to Adolf Hitler.
Stephen Jackson took to Instagram on Tuesday night to defend the Eagles receiver, saying in part: “You know he dont dislike no one, however hes speaking the truth of the realities that he knows and attempting to inform others.” In the Instagram video, which was later erased, Jackson did not discuss Hitler or anti-Semitism, however he did mention social oppression and police cruelty and how “none of you NFL owners spoke up on that.” Jackson also spoke about Riley Cooper, the white receiver who screamed a racial slur at a Black guard at a Kenny Chesney concert in 2013. Cooper was fined by the Eagles and asked forgiveness, then was signed to a five-year extension by the group the following year.

2 RelatedThe Eagles called DeSean Jacksons posts “definitely appalling” on Tuesday. The receiver later asked forgiveness numerous times.
” Maybe I mightve been more clear of what I thought DeSean was right about, but I didnt feel the requirement to go into a conversation that me and him had about how they were treating him and Riley Cooper,” Stephen Jackson informed CNN. “I mightve altered those words, but individuals that know me– my Jewish good friends that I talked to today– they understand that the last thing I was gushing was to protect Hitler or any other post. Thats why I didnt speak on Hitler or perhaps speak on his post. I spoke on exactly what I agreed with, and they was handling him different than they was dealing with Cooper. Thats the end of it. They can twist it how they desire, but thats precisely what it is. I dont hate nobody.”
Jackson, who retired from the NBA in 2014 after playing 14 seasons and winning a championship with San Antonio in 2003, has been a voice for social advocacy given that the death of his pal George Floyd in the custody of Minneapolis cops on Memorial Day.

” Ive been out here battling for justice and equality,” Jackson informed CNN. “And I was speaking on equality– why they wasnt handling Cooper and DeSean Jackson any other way. Like I stated, they can twist it how they wish to. You didnt hear a word out of my mouth stating, I dislike Jews. You didnt hear a word out of my mouth saying, Im supporting Hitler. They can twist it how they desire. I do not dislike no one. Ive been standing up for everyone. I mma continue to. And thats simply completion of it.”
A previous NBA analyst for ESPN, Jackson played in the Big3 in 2018 and 19 (the 2020 season was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic) and now assists host the “All The Smoke” video podcast on Showtime.
Earlier Wednesday, Showtime dealt with Stephen Jacksons initial comments about DeSean Jackson.
“Regardless of his intents, Stephens comments were upsetting and irregular with the worths espoused by this network,” it stated in a declaration.

” As I first stated when I got on here, I mightve altered my words,” Jackson informed CNN. Jackson also spoke about Riley Cooper, the white receiver who screamed a racial slur at a Black security guard at a Kenny Chesney concert in 2013.” Maybe I couldve been more clear of what I believed DeSean was right about, but I didnt feel the need to go into a discussion that me and him had about how they were treating him and Riley Cooper,” Stephen Jackson told CNN.” Ive been out here combating for justice and equality,” Jackson told CNN. “And I was speaking on equality– why they wasnt managing Cooper and DeSean Jackson any other method.