Anthony Edwards is a 'work in progress,' coach says. What we know about text fiasco
Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said the education and maturity of star guard Anthony Edwards “continues to be a work in progress,” after an alleged message exchange between Edwards and a woman was posted online revealing Edwards suggesting the woman have an abortion.
Prior to Finch’s comments ahead of Minnesota’s 112-108 victory against Miami Monday, Edwards, 23, released a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying, “I made comments in the heat of a moment that are not me, and that are not aligned with what I believe and who I want to be as man.”
Edwards had 32 points, eight rebounds, five assists, three steals and two blocks as the fourth-year guard continues to improve on the court.
Here’s what we know about the Edwards situation:
Woman shares private messages on social media
In photos circulating social media, Edwards was tagged in screenshots of text messages between a woman and allegedly himself. In the messages, the woman sent a picture of a positive pregnancy test and the other person, supposedly Edwards, responds with texts that say "get a abortion lol" and they don't want a child, telling the woman to "just take the pills."
The messages also show the other person saying their attorney would handle the situation, and a photo of a wire transfer of $100,000 was posted, as well as messages that said, "you got da money whats the hol up."
Anthony Edwards’ full statement
"I made comments in the heat of the moment that are not me, and that are not aligned with what I believe and who I want to be as a man," Edwards said. "All women should be supported and empowered to make their own decisions about their bodies and what is best for them. I am handling my personal matters privately and will not be commenting on them any further at this time."
What else did Timberwolves coach Chris Finch say?
"We will be having ongoing conversations about such things,” Finch told reporters. “It’s important to state that’s not reflective of our organization, our values, for sure. And as a young man, it’s clear that the education and maturity of Anthony Edwards continues to be a work in progress.
“Beyond that, it’s a personal matter for him, and any conversations that we have will remain private.”
Will Edwards be punished?
It does not appear the Timberwolves will penalize Edwards, however, the NBA could issue a penalty, such as a fine. But that seems unlikely, too, given the alleged message exchange was meant to be private and not a public proclamation.
Edwards has been in trouble for previous social media posts
Just before the start of the 2023 season, the NBA fined him $40,000 "for using offensive and derogatory language on social media” after he posted video of himself using homophobic language.
He apologized. “What I said was immature, hurtful, and disrespectful, and I’m incredibly sorry. It’s unacceptable for me or anyone to use that language in such a hurtful way, there’s no excuse for it, at all. I was raised better than that!” Edwards wrote on X.
Edwards fined in August
The NBA fined Edwards $50,000 in August for “recklessly swinging a chair in frustration that struck two bystanders as he exited the court at the conclusion of the Timberwolves’ playoff game against the Denver Nuggets on April 25 at Ball Arena. “
The NBA delayed issuing a fine “until after the criminal investigation into the player’s conduct concluded with charges dismissed” in July.
Edwards is one of the league’s top young stars
Edwards made his first All-Star Game in 2023 and is headed for his second this season. He is also playing at a level where his first All-NBA selection is a possibility.
He averages 24.6 points (matching the career-high he set last season), 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists (a career-best) and 1.4 steals. He shoots 45.2% from the field and career-highs on 3-pointers (38.3%) and free throws (85.4%). His defensive work has helped make the Timberwolves the No. 1 defense.
Edwards is one of three players (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LeBron James) averaging at least 24 points, five rebounds, five assists and 1.4 steals this season.