Magic Johnson calls for Ferry to go in latest racism storm

Magic Johnson, the retired NBA star dragged into the Los Angeles Clippers racism controversy, called Tuesday for the firing of Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry over unrelated racist remarks.

It was a photo of Johnson with the former girlfriend of then-Clippers owner Donald Sterling that led to racist comments from Sterling that later saw him banished from the NBA for life and the Clippers sold.

Racist remarks by Ferry in June regarding African-born British NBA star Luol Deng were made public Monday.

It has emerged those remarks led to an investigation that uncovered racist comments in 2012 by Hawks owner Bruce Levenson, prompting him to announce at the weekend that he was selling the team.

Hawks chief executive Steve Koonin has punished Ferry — the exact punishment has not been revealed — and Ferry has apologized.

But Johnson, a former Los Angeles Lakers star, wants Ferry out.

“I’m happy to see that Bruce Levenson is selling his share in the Atlanta Hawks after making racist comments,” Johnson wrote on Twitter.

“Atlanta Hawks GM Danny Ferry should step down after making racist statements about NBA player Luol Deng.

“I feel bad for my good friend and Hawks CEO Steve Koonin, who has been put in an awkward position by the comments from Levenson and Ferry.

“The City of Atlanta and the Hawks fans deserve and should demand better from the Hawks leadership.”

Deng said in a statement released to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel and Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspapers that he was saddened and disappointed in remarks made about him.

“Concerning my free agency, the focus should purely have been on my professionalism and my ability as an athlete.”

“Every person should have the right to be treated with respect and evaluated as an individual rather than be reduced to a stereotype.

“I am saddened and disappointed that this way of thinking still exists today. I am even more disturbed that it was shared so freely in a business setting.”

Ferry said in June 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.”

According to a June letter by Hawks co-owner Michael Gearon obtained by Atlanta television station WSB, Ferry also described Deng as a “two-faced liar and cheat.”

Deng, born in what is now South Sudan, played for Britain in the 2012 London Olympics and is known for his off-season humanitarian work.

“He has a little African in him. These words were recently used to describe me,” Deng said. “It would ordinarily make any African parent proud to hear their child recognized for their heritage. I’m proud to say I actually have a lot of African in me, not just ‘a little.’

“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.”