Statement from Nigel Hayes-Davis following 'alleged genocide' post

Fenerbahçe Beko's American basketball player Nigel Hayes-Davis issued a statement following a post he made during his trip to Armenia while visiting the museum of the alleged genocide, stating, "I would like to state that I would never want to show any written, intentional, or implied disrespect toward Turkey, its history, or its citizens."

Hayes-Davis removed the post he made during his visit to the museum of the alleged genocide in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, after yellow-and-navy officials informed him of the sensitivity of the matter.

Following the removal of his post, the American basketball player released a statement, saying, "I have learned after my post that the subject regarding Armenia and Turkey is very sensitive. Although I try to learn, I do not know everything. Because of the appreciation and respect I have for everything Turkey has offered me personally and professionally, I would like to state that I would never want to show any written, intentional, or implied disrespect toward Turkey, its history, or its citizens."

Stating that those who know him personally are aware that he is sincere in his words, Hayes-Davis added the following:

"Those who know me personally and have spoken to me about this matter will know that what I have said is true and sincere. I am not Turkish, so I could not understand the weight this subject carries for those who are. I hope these words of mine clear up any misunderstandings or misinterpretations regarding my actions and, more importantly, my character. I would like to state to everyone who was hurt by this situation that this was not my intention."