Luol Deng said that he is disappointed by an Atlanta Hawks scouting report that the franchise’s general manager, Danny Ferry, quoted during a July meeting on free agents. The quotes were made public over the weekend, when Hawks majority owner Bruce Levenson announced that he would sell the team.

As we previously reported, Levenson made a 2012 letter public, in which he used racial stereotypes to describe his team’s fans and explain lower attendance. The letter was uncovered during an investigation sparked by the July free agency meeting, which came after the Donald Sterling controversy erupted.

During that free agency meeting, Ferry reportedly quoted a scouting report on Deng - who has now signed with the Miami Heat - verbatim, including insensitive remarks made by a scout. Ferry read that Deng “has a little African in him. Not in a bad way, but he's like a guy who would have a nice store out front but sell you counterfeit stuff out of the back,” reports ESPN. The report also referred to Deng as “two-faced.”

Deng sent a full statement to The Sun-Sentinel, expressing disappointment in Ferry’s comments and stressing how proud he is off his heritage. He included the quote, “HE HAS A LITTLE AFRICAN IN HIM" at the beginning.

"These words were recently used to describe me. It would ordinarily make any African parent proud to hear their child recognized for their heritage,” Deng wrote.

“I'm proud to say I actually have a lot of African in me, not just ‘a little,’” he continued. “For my entire life, my identity has been a source of pride and strength. Among my family and friends, in my country of South Sudan and across the broader continent of Africa, I can think of no greater privilege than to do what I love for a living while also representing my heritage on the highest stage. Unfortunately, the comment about my heritage was not made with the same respect and appreciation.”

Deng added that he should be evaluated by his skills as a basketball player, not by his heritage. He also said he was happy to know that others are uncomfortable with Ferry’s comments.

"Ultimately, I’m thankful to be with an organization that appreciates me for who I am and has gone out of its way to make me feel welcome,” he concluded.

Ferry has issued a statement apologizing, but some in the basketball community - including Magic Johnson - are calling for him to resign.