JJ Redick, the newly appointed head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, finds himself accused of racism. Just days after his introduction to the Lakers organization, Redick was accused of using a racial slur towards a Duke alumna during his college years.
Halleemah Nash, an author, speaker and founder of Rosecrans Ventures, took to social media platform X to recount her experience at Duke University. In her post, Nash claimed that Redick had directed the N-word at her while she was working with the basketball team.
“I’ve only been called the N-word to my face by a white man once in my life, and it was on the campus of Duke University while I was doing work with the basketball team. And today he was named the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. What a world,” Nash wrote.
In response, Redick’s camp has categorically denied the accusation. “No, it never happened,” a spokesperson for Redick told TMZ. Despite the denial, the Lakers and Duke University have not yet issued any statements regarding the incident.
Nash, who holds a master of divinity and a certificate in nonprofit management from Duke, later followed up her initial tweet with a message emphasizing personal growth and the context of past actions.
“For context, this was years ago, and I’m a believer that we all have space to grow – especially from our college-level maturity. We live in a world where these exchanges happen and the intersection of race and privilege and lack of accountability all collided w/that presser,” Nash said.
Redick’s tenure at Duke, from 2002-06, was marked by significant success on the basketball court. He was a four-year starter and the 2006 Naismith College Player of the Year. His illustrious collegiate career was a prelude to a 15-year stint in the NBA, which has now transitioned into a coaching career.
The Lakers, a franchise with a storied history and an ardent fanbase, hired Redick after dismissing Darvin Ham following two seasons. Redick said, “This process has been surreal, to say the least. I take this responsibility very seriously.”
The allegations against Redick come at a critical juncture for the Lakers, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing season and reestablish themselves as championship contenders. How the franchise handles these accusations could significantly affect Redick’s tenure and the team’s public image.