November 29, 2015
After a series of alarming off-court incidents in the past couple of months, Philadelphia 76ers rookie center Jahlil Okafor took to Twitter Sunday to address mounting concerns about his conduct and commitment to a winless team buried at the bottom of the NBA standings.
Okafor's recent troubles have been marked by a fight in Boston last Thursday after a last-minute loss to the Celtics and an alleged October incident in Old City during which a gun was pointed at the 19-year-old former Duke star.
A third report from the Philadelphia Inquirer said that Okafor was stopped by police earlier this month while driving 108 mph on the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. The offense, driving in excess of 40 mph on a bridge, constitutes reckless driving, according to the report.
On Sunday, Okafor promised to take responsibility for his actions and reiterated that he is committed to reflecting well on the Sixers and the NBA.
I hold myself to a higher standard than anyone else ever could and I'm not proud of some of my decisions over the last few months.
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) November 29, 2015
I own my choices both personally and now publicly. At this point I am cooperating and respecting the process I have to go through.
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) November 29, 2015
Going forward I don't want to be a distraction for my team and am grateful for the support and guidance those close to me are giving.
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) November 29, 2015
I am 100% focused on my responsibility to the League, my teammates and fans.
— Jahlil Okafor (@JahlilOkafor) November 29, 2015
Despite his issues outside of basketball, Okafor, selected third overall by the Sixers, has played pretty well for a struggling team, averaging 18 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
