The London O2 Arena is known to give a show always and Saturday, July 20, was no different for the Basketball world. South Sudan almost wrote the USA an embarrassing history on their way to the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Olympic Practice game which USA won 101-100 would have been a perfect underdog win thanks to Former NBA star Paul Pierce who made condescending remarks about the Bright Stars of South Sudan on the FS1’s Undisputed show. While laughing, he remarked on his perceived lack of height on the South Sudanese team, stating, “Man, they probably haven’t got anyone over 6’3.”
Pierce went on to suggest that Lithuania should have been included in the tournament instead, implying that South Sudan wouldn’t provide adequate competition for Team USA. He predicted an easy 30-point victory for the American team.
In the same deriding tone, his co-presenter, Sports Columnist Skip Bayless, shared a similar view stating he wouldn’t take a 35.5-point spread, suggesting an even more lopsided outcome.
Judging by how resilient South Sudan players were against the US team, it shows Pierce and Bales were ignorant. Otherwise, they would have known Sudan has a history of producing basketball players including Thon Maker, Luol Deng, Deng Gai, and one of the tallest the game has seen, Manute Bol.
So, their comments are worrisome considering they are meant to be ‘experts’ in the field but were jesting like an everyday fan.
One may decide to excuse their ignorance considering South Sudan became a nation in 2011 (13 years is a long time) or decide to take things far by saying their comments are near-racist but we leave it to the fans of the game.
Fans have criticized their dismissive tone towards the South Sudanese team and the apparent lack of knowledge about the country’s basketball history and potential.
Usher Komugisha wrote on X, “A very condescending take here from Paul Pierce on South Sudan who face the USA tonight in a friendly game. He doesn’t think there is a player who’s 6ft3in! Meanwhile, the tallest ever player in the NBA – Manute Bol was from South Sudan at 7ft7in!”
Another tweeter wrote, “Paul Pierce being ignorant and condescending to the South Sudanese team is not cool. South Sudan showed a lot of heart and gave #USABMNT a good run. This was such a close game. No one would have imagined this: a country that didn’t exist 14 years ago on this stage. Much respect,”
“This might be one of the most disrespectful takes I have ever seen from a media member. I hope he comes out publicly and apologizes,” another tweet read.
After the game, the former Boston Celtics player did come out to tender an apology on X using the popular Shaq O’ Neal quote, “Lol! I’m sorry, I wasn’t familiar with your game.”
Though the apology still carried a condescending tone, many on X have reacted in several ways.
One user commented, “We want a nice long apology on wax, my boy. It must be as loud as the disrespect,” emphasizing the need for a more substantial acknowledgment of the offense caused.
@MightiJamie cautioned, “Do your research next time. You spend too much time with strippers instead of stats. You disrespected Africa Paul.”
And others seem to have accepted his apology, One tweeted “Maras,” meaning “you’re welcome,” but added an eye-rolling emoji, suggesting a degree of sarcasm. Another wrote “Menth agueec,” which translates to “we accept your apology,” indicating a more forgiving stance.
The varied responses underscore the complex nature of public apologies and the diverse reactions they can elicit, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like national pride and cultural respect.
Regardless of the insensitivity of Pierce, this drama has now put South Sudan in the Spotlight as they move to their Olympic debut game against Puerto Rico on July 28 while US faces Germany today, July 22, in another Olympic friendly by 3 Pm E.T. South Sudan and USA will face each other again on July 31.
