DeMarcus Cousins just had the most ridiculous 30-day stretch of his career, posting per game averages of 33 points and 13 rebounds, shooting at a near 50% clip. He’s apparently taken some of the sharp vision that’s helped the Kings operate at a league-leading offensive pace to his off-court observations, namely, the Kings’ February 1 “Year of the Monkey” promotional t-shirts, which were created for purposes of celebrating the Chinese New Year.
According to a Facebook post from Bucks TV announcer Marques Johnson, Cousins discussed his apprehension towards the promotion, which he felt was short-sighted considering it was the first day of Black History Month, and it’s public knowledge that images of monkeys and primates have long been used in imagery or derogative propaganda about black people. Cousins eventually included Johnson in the discussion, when the following exchange occurred:
I walk into the building and DeMarcus Cousins calls me over to an animated discussion he’s having with Kings operations people. He ask me, “Olskool, what you think about this T Shirt? Told him a little insensitive on 1st day of Black History Month”. They pulled the shirts…
Later on in the day, Kings staff could be seen removing the shirts from the chairs in Sleep Train Arena, the Kings home court.
Good move Kings. Year of Monkey Tees on 1 st day of Black History Month not a good look. Thanks DeMarcus… pic.twitter.com/wvqkdgdr7r
— Marques Johnson (@olskool888) February 2, 2016
Good to see the Kings didn’t just brush off Cousins qualms, and actually took action. The Kings won the game that followed, 111-104 over the Bucks, despite Cousins absence due to a minor injury. He’s expected to take part in this month’s All-Star festivities in Toronto.
