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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor has apologized through social media for his recent decisions, days after he was involved in a fight in Boston.
The 6-foot-11 rookie from Duke is averaging 18 points and 7.9 rebounds for the winless Sixers, who face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday afternoon.
But he has had problems off the court, which he acknowledged in a series of postings on Twitter on Sunday. He says he is "not proud of some of my decisions" but is cooperating as he deals with the legal process.
Okafor was available to the media before Sunday's game, but declined comment regarding his off-court problems.
"I'm not talking about anything but basketball," Okafor said.
An hour earlier on Twitter, Okafor addressed the situation by saying he holds himself to "a higher standard than anyone else ever could." He added he is "not proud" of some of his recent decisions.
"I own my choices both personally and now publicly," he said in four entries. "At this point, I am cooperating and respecting the process I have to go through. 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."
He closed by saying he is completely focused "on my responsibilities to the League, my teammates and fans."
Okafor was expected to be in the starting lineup for Philadelphia, which was trying to avoid an 0-18 start that would match the 2009-10 New Jersey Nets for the longest winless streak to open a season.
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