After expressing regret over his role in a highly-publicized streetfight last week, a report surfaced about Jahlil Okafor having been stopped by the police earlier this month for reckless driving and having had a gun pulled on him in Philly.
The rookie big man took to Twitter on Sunday to offer even more contrition for his boneheaded decisions.
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
The 19-year-old then took part in the Philadelphia Sixers’ 18th consecutive loss, tying an NBA record for futility.
Per the Philly Inquirer:
Four sources independently confirmed the 76ers center was pulled over on the Ben Franklin Bridge around three weeks ago for driving 108 miles per hour. Anything over 40 m.p.h. is considered reckless driving.
This news come days after it was revealed that Okafor had been involved with two altercations while leaving nightclubs. […] The 6-foot-11, 265-pounder had a gun pointed at his head on Oct. 4 near Second and Walnut Street in Philadelphia. Then there was Thursday’s early morning fight outside of Storyville Nightclub in south Boston hours after Wednesday night’s loss to the Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
“As an organization, anything like this is concerning,” coach Brett Brown said. “I think the repetitiveness on the announcement exacerbates the problem. It’s like any 19-year-old kid, you are trying to find ways to help him. He’s knows he’s made mistakes and we know he’s made mistakes. As an organization we will deal with them as we need to and should.”
