Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins clarified his post-game comments on Oklahoma City Thunder point man Dennis Schroder after the latter instigated barbs with some of Wiggins' teammates. The 23-year-old denied calling Schroder “gay” in his post-game comments after posting a 40-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead the Wolves to a win.
“I'd like to clarify what I said tonight during my post game media session. I said: “I don’t know what’s wrong with him he was just getting… acting crazy for no reason,” Wiggins said in a tweet. “I have the utmost love and respect for the LGBTQIA community and I would never use any term to disrespect them in anyway.”
Wiggins is clearly heard saying at the 35-second mark of this video: “I don't know what's wrong with him, he was just gay. Acting crazy for no reason. I look right through him. He's not someone I look at as a problem. Not at all.”
What did he call Schroder? RT @SneakerReporter: I was able to ask Andrew Wiggins what he saw on the Nerlens Noel play as he gives him well wishes to get back healthy. He also talked about Schröder not being a problem to him. pic.twitter.com/qFVusAtNvI
— J (@jmerteacher) January 9, 2019
Local media omitted the homophobic slur in their quotes, as it added no context, or maybe in wasn't clear enough to transcribe. But video footage is undefeated, and this one will be a tough one to deny to the league office, who is likely to review his post-game comments on Schroder.
Wiggins on Schroder: "I don't know what's wrong with him. He was acting crazy for no reason. I look right through him. He's not someone I look at as a problem. Not at all."
— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) January 9, 2019
For starters, it's unlikely to see such a spirited response from one of the league's most quiet players, but Schroder had already gotten point guard Jeff Teague ejected and was now aiming for Wiggins, who was having a season-best night.
Thunder center Nerlens Noel had to be stretchered off after landing awkwardly following a Wiggins dunk attempt, one Schroder viewed as unsportsmanlike due to leading with his elbow, as Noel hits the floor with little conscience.
Nerlens Noel takes a hard elbow from Wiggins, lands head-first on the floor. Looked like he was knocked out cold. #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/p38D8MnTVM
— Carson Cunningham (@Carson_OKC) January 9, 2019
Following a 119-117 win to give new coach Ryan Saunders his first win, Wiggins, who led all scorers with 40 points, showered his new coach with praise and liquids in the locker room in what seems to be a turning point for Wiggins after a disappointing start to the season.