A prominent NBA insider got dragged on social media for his reporting on the apparent bid at a comeback by former Miami Heat backup Meyers Leonard.
Shams Charania of The Athletic came under fire after reporting that Leonard, who has not played in the league since he was heard using an anti-Semitic slur on a video game livestream, was scheduled for a workout with the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday.
Charania's initial framing of the Leonard situation omitted any reference to the anti-Semitism row, instead making it seem as if Leonard hadn't played since January 2021 simply because he was injured.
The tweet did not go over well with NBA fans, who were quick to point out that Charania had left out some important context.
Finally, about 25 minutes later, Charania published a followup tweet explaining Leonard's suspension and noting that Leonard has been working to educate himself after the incident.
While it's true that Leonard's 2020-21 season had ended prematurely prior to the slur incident owing to injuries, it seems far-fetched to suggest, as Charania did, that the injuries have sidelined him for the subsequent season and a half.
There's little doubting that the slur incident played a role. Following Meyer's suspension and fine by the NBA, he was traded by the Heat to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The move was a formality for the Thunder, in order to balance out the salaries being exchanged. He was released soon after and has gone unsigned since.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram