Meyers Leonard — out of the NBA since March 2021 after uttering an antisemitic slur on a video game livestream before rehabilitating post-surgical nerve damage on his right leg — is signing a 10-day contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, sources told ESPN on Monday.
The Bucks have been monitoring Leonard’s progress for over a year and conducted a workout with him last month, sources said. Milwaukee had an open roster spot and wanted to bring in a big man with shooting ability and a playoff history. Leonard played 28 playoff games in his seven seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
After his suspension, Leonard was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder and immediately waived. Leonard sought counseling from Shliach Rabbi Pinny Andrusier in South Florida and met with several Jewish organizations on a frequent basis, learning more about antisemitism.
Leonard, who played for Illinois from 2010-12, also notably made a visit to Champaign, IL where he spoke with Shliach Rabbi Dovid Tiechtel at the University’s Chabad Jewish center.
In a recent interview, Leonard thanked Rabbi Pinny Andrusier and Chabad for helping him during this time:
Today, Illini Chabad hosted a conversation with @UofIllinois ,@giesbusiness, @IlliniMBB alum @MeyersLeonard, who played for the Miami Heat. A year ago, after he used an antisemitic slur, the outcry was loud and angry. pic.twitter.com/D3B6ClMQFO
— Rabbi Dovid Tiechtel (@IlliniRabbi) January 18, 2022
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He did not deserve this. Are we worse than the rest of liberal America? We bully him and strip him from his position because he said something not nice? It is really disgusting
It was liberal america who did this to him