Legendary NBA superfan Spike Lee has issued an apology for the outfit he wore at the All-Star Game in Los Angeles last weekend.
Lee, an iconic Hollywood director known for movies like "Inside Man" and "Do the Right Thing," is a die-hard New York Knicks fan. He has season tickets on the floor at Madison Square Garden.
The iconic NBA superfan attended the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles last weekend. He wore an outfit that sparked controversy. Some took issue with it, as Deni Avdija, a forward for the Blazers, became the first Israel-born player to start in the NBA All-Star Game.
Lee issued a statement on Wednesday regarding his outfit, which was seen as pro-Palestine - and thus anti-Deni Avdija - by some.
The iconic NBA superfan released a statement on his outfit.
Spike Lee writes message to Deni Avdija
Lee said he's sorry for any ill-intent toward Avdija.
"Much Respect To Deni Avdija, The First Israeli-Born Player In The NBA All-Star Game. Congratulations Also To All The Players And The NBA. There Has Been Some Conjecture About What I Wore To The Games on Saturday and Sunday. The Clothes I Wore are Symbols of My Concern For The Palestinian Children and Civilians, And My Utmost Belief In Human Dignity For All Humankind. What I Wore Was Not Intended As A Gesture Of Hostility To Jewish People Or To Support Violence Against Anyone, Nor Was It Intended As A Comment On The Significance Of Deni Being An All-Star. There Were 28 NBA Players Chosen To Be In LA This Weekend. I Didn’t Know Them All And Deni Playing For The Portland Trailblazers, A West Coast Team, I Didn’t Know Deni As The First Israeli Born NBA All-Star. He can BALL. NOW I DO KNOW," he wrote.
"LIVE AND LEARN. ONWARD AND UPWARD. PEACE AND LOVE. YA-DIG? SHO-NUFF."
Avdija, 25, is having a career year.
He's scoring 25.2 points per game and averaging 7.2 rebounds and 6.6 assists per contest.