MIAMI – Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards released a statement Monday after a woman who claimed she was pregnant with Edwards' child posted private messages between the two on social media in which Edwards urged her to have an abortion urged.
“I have made comments in the heat of the moment that are not myself and that are inconsistent with what I believe in and who I want to be as a man,” Edwards said in a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account. “All women should be supported and empowered to make their own decisions about their bodies and what is best for them. I keep my personal matters private and will not be commenting further at this time.”
Edwards' statement appeared to be in response to messages that model Paige Jordae posted on her Instagram account about their alleged exchange, which made Edwards trend on social media Monday morning. In the news, a person named Anthony Edwards offered to pay Jordae money for an abortion, and she posted an apparent transfer of $100,000.
Before Monday's game against the Heat, Wolves coach Chris Finch said the organization would speak with Edwards about the matter. Edwards was available to play on Monday.
“We will have ongoing conversations about things like this,” Finch said. “I think it's important to say that it certainly doesn't reflect our organization and our values. And as a young man, it is clear that Anthony Edwards’ education and maturity remains a work in progress.”
“Moreover, it is a personal matter for him and any discussions we have will remain private.”
Edwards' statement comes two nights after the Wolves and Adidas celebrated the launch of Edwards' signature shoe for Adidas, the AE 1, in Saturday's win over the Pacers. The Wolves and Adidas are marketing Edwards as one of the faces of the NBA after he signed a maximum contract extension with the Wolves this summer worth up to $260 million if Edwards is named to an All-NBA team this season .