Knicks Player Apologizes for Remarks About Jews

Hours after NBA commissioner David Stern and two more Jewish organizations criticized Charlie Ward for his "uninformed and ill-founded statements" concerning Jews and Jesus Christ, Ward issued a formal apology Monday night.

"I want to truly apologize to everybody who was offended by the New York Times Magazine story," Ward said of the article which was published on Sunday. "I will say again that I would never condemn or criticize any group or religion. That is not who I am. I also want to say that I will be opening dialogue with Yechiel Eckstein, president and founder of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, in an effort to heal the wounds of the last few days."

Ward also apologized to his teammates, the Knicks organization, fans and the NBA, saying "I've tried - during my time in the NBA - to stand for all that is positive in the league."

Stern decided not to fine or suspend Ward but the commissioner made it clear that he felt the devout Christian was out of line with his controversial comments.

"Statements were attributed to Charlie Ward that stereotype Jews and attempt to utilize biblical references to describe persecution of Christians by Jews," said Stern, who is Jewish. "Unfortunately, Ward's comments, and his subsequent confirmation of them, demonstrate zealotry of all types is intolerant and divisive. Despite suggestions that the NBA should penalize Ward for his words, I am not planning to do so. Ward would have been better off not to have uttered his uninformed and ill-founded statements, but I do not wish to enhance his martyrdom by penalizing him for giving them public voice. He will have to accept the reactions and judgment of fans and fair-minded people who have been offended."

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