Despite Heavy Criticism, Lakers HOFer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Supports Will Smith on His Journey to Redemption: Smiths Slap Had Consequences on Many People..

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NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the best ever players to play the game of basketball. However, he was not just a basketball player. The Hall of Famer has always been vocal about social and societal issues even before he joined the NBA. After retiring, he still uses his platform to speak about various issues in the world.

When Hollywood superstar Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock during the Oscars, Abdul-Jabbar wrote a scathing article about the whole incident and condemned Smiths actions. He felt that Smiths actions made the implication that Jada Pinkett Smith wasnt capable of speaking for herself. And he was worried about the stereotypes.

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Now, after a few months, Will Smith has released a video apology. And the Lakers legend has given his opinion on the matter. While there has been criticism about the timing of the video, Abdul-Jabbar says that he only going to accept the actors words are sincere. He also said that Will Smith will have his support even if the world wont.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is rooting for Will Smith

Kareem spoke about his stern article about Smith after the slap. He said that he wrote that article even after knowing Smith and knowing he is a graceful person. He said that skeptics would question Smiths late apology and might say that he’s acting. However, he isnt going to do that and is only going to look at his words.

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He said that he is going to believe that after a long period of soul-searching, family rebuilding, and moral prioritizing, he was ready to face the world. And said that the world might not be supporting Smith anymore. Kareem said, I, however, am rooting for him.

He continued, We all live under the desperate hope that our past mistakes can be forgiven. Smiths slap had consequences on many people around the world, but none that require perpetual punishment and endless finger-wagging. We all have shortcomings, celebrity merely amplifies them to the world. Every misstep is an opportunity for growth and it appears that Smith is embracing that opportunity. We should do our part and support him. Its what we would hope for ourselves from others.

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The Hall of Famers support might come as a shock to a lot of people. Especially after his hard-hitting write-up about the actor after the incident.

What do you think about Kareem Abdul-Jabbars response? Let us know in the comments.

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