Brooklyn Nets star Jeremy Lin revealed that Kenyon Martin was “extremely apologetic” during a recent conversation in the wake of controversial comments from the former NBA player about Lin’s new dreadlocks.
Lin provided some details about his chat with Martin following Sunday’s 117-83 exhibition victory over the New York Knicks.
“He reached out and he was extremely apologetic … it was a great conversation,” Lin told reporters, via Nets Daily, by way of Dime Mag. “I think things were blown out of proportion, taken a little out of context as well. But me and him had a discussion where he was extremely courteous.
“Like, I’m actually impressed with how he handled everything. I’m thankful for the conversation we had and I’m also sorry for some of the things he and his son kind of had to deal with in the aftermath,” he added, referring to some ugly racist comments directed at Martin by some Lin fans.
“I’m just processing everything that’s happening and kind of felt he was dehumanized to some degree. I wish it didn’t happen like that, but we’re beyond that and hopefully I don’t have to speak about this incident or my hair anymore.”
Lin addressed his new hairstyle in an essay for The Players’ Tribune in which he writes not recognizing “the connection between my own hair and cultural appropriation,” adding “as an Asian-American, I do know something about cultural appropriation.”
Despite Lin’s clarifying remarks, Martin blasted the Nets player for sporting dreadlocks, suggesting it was inspired by Lin wanting to “be black.”
Lin demonstrated class when responding to Martin’s barbs with an eloquent social media post.
Martin has since attempted to clarify his remarks about Lin, saying his comments were “never meant to be racial.” Martin added he had reached out to Lin by direct message “to get his phone number” and “clear the air.”
It sounds like Martin did in fact have the requested conversation with Lin. And from the sound of it, Lin believes any lingering issues between himself and Martin have now been resolved.
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