Former NBA power forward Kenyon Martin criticized Brooklyn Nets point guard Jeremy Lin’s new dreadlocks and the team for allowing “this foolishness.” Martin posted a video on his Instagram account, talking about Lin and his new hairstyle. In his caption, Martin said he’s confused, puzzled, in shock and disappointed in his teammates. He also criticized the Nets as an organization for allowing Lin’s hairstyle.
In his video, Martin hit Lin’s new hairstyle, which is usually associated with African-Americans. “Do I need to remind this damn boy his last name Lin?" Martin said, per Nets Daily.
Martin said that there is no way possible he would've made it on one of our teams with “that bulls--t on his head.” In another video, Martin said Lin, as a grown man, can “rock whatever hairstyle he wants to rock” but said he doesn’t like it and doesn't agree with it.
Lin took high road in reply to Martin
In his Instagram reply, Lin told Martin that “It’s all good you don’t have to like my hair and definitely entitled to your opinion.” Lin said he’s also grateful for Martin sharing his opinion about his hairstyle, adding that he also appreciates the power forward’s Chinese tattoos on his arm “because I think it’s a sign of respect.” As minorities, Lin also told Martin that the “more we appreciate each others cultures, the more we influence mainstream society.” As a parting word, Lin thanked Martin for everything he did for the Nets, telling him that “I had your poster up on my wall growing up.”
In his Player’s Tribune article, Lin said he is hoping that his dreadlocks begin more dialogue about cultural differences.
Lin said people need more empathy, more compassion and less judgment, adding that “it takes actual work and communication. So let’s start now.” Lin is entering his second season with the Nets after bouncing around the league with the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Charlotte Hornets.
This season, Lin will team up with D'Angelo Russell in the Nets' backcourt.
Martin played for Nets, Knicks
Martin started his career with the then-New Jersey Nets, who took him as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2000 Draft. He played for four years with the Nets, where he emerged as one of the league’s best power forwards. He then moved to the Denver Nuggets where he played seven seasons before joining the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2012-13 season. He played two seasons with the Knicks and one season with the Milwaukee Bucks before ending his 15-year NBA career. In 757 career games, Martin averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 boards.
