Pacers’ Paul George defends Ray Rice, and Twitter lets George have it
Any good will sent Paul George’s way after the horrible injury he suffered while with Team USA ahead of the FIBA World Cup is likely gone.
On Thursday, George took to Twitter to defend former Baltimore Ravens running back/elevator puncher Ray Rice before deleting the tweets. Still, here is one:
Ladies and gentlemen, Paul George, the face of Indianapolis. Be proud. pic.twitter.com/wszbLhQqs3
— Peter Dunn (@PeteThePlanner) September 11, 2014George, who plays for the Indiana Pacers also tweeted this, according to USA Today:
“If you in a relationship and a woman hit you first and attacking YOU.. Then you obviously ain't beatin HER. Homie made A bad choice! #StayUp”
As noted, George deleted those tweets. But he did follow with this:
Keep it 100 lets act on this police violence like we actin on this Ray Rice case! Stay strong homie !
— Paul George (@Yg_Trece) September 11, 2014About an hour later, George apologized:
Let me apologize to the women and to the VICTIMS of domestic violence people my intent was not to downplay the situation..
— Paul George (@Yg_Trece) September 11, 2014Pacers president Larry Bird then issued a statement:
“Paul George’s tweets from earlier were thoughtless and without regard to the subject of domestic violence and its seriousness in society. We have talked to Paul to strongly express our displeasure and made it clear that the NBA and the Pacers’ organization will not condone or tolerate remarks of this nature. Paul understands that he was wrong and why his tweets were so inappropriate and is very apologetic.”
Some people on Twitter came to George’s defense, but most let him have it:
If you're keeping score at home, Paul George severely injured himself twice this offseason.
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) September 11, 2014I'm hoping Paul George was under the influence of strong meds...only excuse for saying something so stupid. Glad he realized it too.
— Mike Hill (@ItsMikeHill) September 11, 2014On a day of remembrance, nice of Paul George to remind us how the term "hero" is wrongly bestowed upon so many public figures.
— Chronic Hoosier (@ChronicHoosier) September 11, 2014For some reason Paul George doesn't know "lol" has no place in a tweet about domestic violence https://t.co/9KsEm62zfe
— LZ Granderson (@Locs_n_Laughs) September 11, 2014First Floyd Mayweather, now Paul George... When will people learn to just shut their mouths. #FootInMouthDisease #wedidntaskforyouropinion
— E. DeFreeuw (@defreeuw83) September 11, 2014Can't wait to hear Paul George's thoughts on 9/11.
— Marcus Mulick (@marcusmulick) September 11, 2014This story was originally published September 11, 2014 at 12:19 PM.