Former Golden State Warriors guard Gilbert Arenas has explained his remarks about Ayesha Curry, wife of Warriors star Stephen Curry, but did not give her a direct apology.
On his podcast, Arenas said he was making the point that Steph generally stays out of trouble, and described Ayesha’s past comments as what he considered a “blemish” on the Curry family.
“All I said is he doesn’t get in trouble for nothing,” Arenas said. “He says the right things. If you gotta judge this family, his only blemish is what his wife said. That’s all I said.” He later said he was sorry if Steph had been offended, while insisting he hadn’t meant his comments as a personal attack.
“I’m sorry if he’s offended. I didn’t mean it like that,” Arenas said. “I was just saying that he’s such a perfect dude… but I am sorry.”
Nick Young, a contributor to the podcast and a former Warriors teammate of Curry’s, offered a more direct apology. Young played one season with Curry in Golden State and won the 2018 NBA championship with the team.
“This man Gil won’t say sorry at all. I’m sorry, Steph. You my dog. I love you. If I offended you, I apologize like a man. I’m sorry,” Young said.
Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho also apologized to the Currys for comments he made on another podcast. He said that when someone asks for an apology, the right response is to say he’s sorry.
“Steph, I’m sorry for not just offending you but potentially offending your wife,” Acho said. “I’m sorry for how it may have made you feel.”
Acho also said he regretted the headlines and commentary surrounding Ayesha’s starring role in the Roku romantic comedy “Second Chance Holiday,” and the effect the reaction may have had on Steph.
The apologies came shortly after Curry posted a rare public response to criticism of his wife, whom he has been married to for 15 years.
“Usually the noise doesn’t bother me, it doesn’t bother Ayesha, but this one in particular, when you’re trying to step on the accomplishments of my wife and, you know, obviously needing podcasts, tapings and topics and giving opinions on somebody else’s wife,” Curry said in an Instagram video posted Wednesday.
A scene in the film shows Ayesha kissing her co-star Matthew Daddario, prompting criticism and debate among sports figures on social media.
Curry addressed Arenas, Young, Acho and others who had weighed in, saying their comments reflected a broader discussion about how they view women and what women should be allowed to do. He ended his remarks by thanking his critics for the publicity.
On the court, Curry is expected to miss at least two weeks with a tear in his oblique abdominal muscle. ESPN reported Thursday, citing sources, that the Warriors expect him to be out closer to a month.
Curry left Wednesday’s game against the Houston Rockets with less than seven minutes gone in the first quarter and later had an MRI. Houston won, 115-108.
