Adams was just being kiwi

Our very own Steven Adams has been killing it overseas in the NBA. American reporters have been hammering Adams for his thoughts on this overseas experience. After an insanely competitive battle on court the 6-foot superstar was interviewed, sweat and all, and asked to comment on the game. Here's what he had to say.

Adams apologized for what he said stating that it was a "poor choice of words" and his New Zealand heritage invites this type of slang. What is naturalized and normalized in our country and most likely other countries too is apparently an unacceptable reason to excuse what slipped out of his mouth.

Is the comment "they're quick little monkeys" alarming enough for the uproar in comments and negative backlash? Social media posts criticized Adams for being "ignorant to American history" and that he should "have some respect for the sport and players" and posts still continue today. Apology unaccepted by some.

Here in New Zealand a comment like that is very common. With no derogatory connotations to the word 'monkey' in comparison to people, we say it freely and unquestionably. For instance "look at those little monkeys" or "you little monkey" meant quick, active, cheeky and smart. So Adams intention was comparing the NBA players to those connotations rather than the savage, animalistic connotations that some people saw.

In my opinion people are making mountains out of mole hills. The world doesn’t revolve around  victimhood or discreet digs. The ignorance was not with Adams but rather the US who couldn’t empathize with a foreign player.