Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze has expressed doubts about Liz Cambage’s apology, in which she denied that Nigerian players described themselves as “monkeys” and intentionally gave a player an elbow to the head.
A major Sunday Telegraph The investigation uncovered images showing Cambage hitting a Nigerian opponent with his elbow.
Several witnesses on both sides also accuse him of racially defaming the team by calling them “monkeys” and telling them to “return to your third world country.”
The report led Cambage to do so Instagram where he again denied the use of racist language and said the offense was “unintentional”.
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Cambage is KITCHEN at both ends! | 00:43
Speaking SENGaze questioned Cambage’s claim.
“I don’t know how you can say that (it wasn’t intentional),” Gaze said. “When you look at the vision, the vision is there for everyone to see, it is a very, very vicious blow to the Nigerian player.
“I don’t know how you can argue it was unintentional. Someone knows something about basketball, I would see that it’s a very, very high elbow, and yes, it’s high, it’s a crossroads that caused a laceration in the Nigerian girl’s neck.” .
Gaze added: “The only reason these (allegations) have been raised in recent weeks is based on their comments, which were very negative about Basketball Australia and, in particular, the Opals. .
Aussie Legend SLAMS Cambage | 05:17
“I think his comments were very bad, indicating that he didn’t think they had given him a safe environment and one where he felt supported, loved and cared for.”
Cambage’s Instagram post saw her apologize for her behavior but denied the most serious allegations of racism.
“I am very disappointed and hurt by the events and allegations that have taken place in the Australian media. The account of what happened is inaccurate and misleading,” he said.
“I did not use the racial insult towards the Nigerian team that has been circulating. After inadvertently fouling a Nigerian player on the court, I was physically assaulted by that player on the sidelines.”
Earlier this month, Gaze called Cambage’s alleged comments against Nigerian players and his behavior “offensive to anyone representing our country” “disgusting”.
She said on Tuesday that it was “desperately disappointing” that she would probably never play for the Opals again, as the team is “much, much better with her” on paper.
But given the circumstances, she said: “According to what has been said, we are much, much better (without her) because of the conflict that seems to have been caused by her language and behavior.”