MIAMI — Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards released a statement Monday after a woman who claimed she was pregnant with Edwards' child released private messages between the two on social media showing Edwards pressuring her to have an abortion.
Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards issues statement after alleged text messages about abortion posted on social media
On Instagram, a woman provided screenshots of messages that indicated Anthony Edwards paid for an abortion.
December 19, 2023 at 4:57AM
"I made comments in the heat of a moment that are not me, and that are not aligned with what I believe 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 am handling my personal matters privately and will not be commenting on them any further at this time."
The statement from Edwards seemed to be a response to the messages that model Paige Jordae posted to her Instagram account of their alleged exchange, which caused Edwards to trend on social media Monday morning. In the messages, a person labeled Anthony Edwards offered to pay Jordae money to have an abortion, and she posted what appeared to be a wire transfer of $100,000.
Edwards scored 32 points in Monday's 112-108 victory over the Heat. Before the game, Wolves coach Chris Finch said the organization will be speaking to Edwards about the matter.
"We will be having ongoing conversations about such things," Finch said. "It's important to state that it's not reflective of our organization, our values, for sure. And as a young man, it's clear that the education and maturity of Anthony Edwards continues to be a work in progress.
"Beyond that, it's a personal matter for him, and any conversations that 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, at 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 makes an All-NBA team this season.
High-profile victims in Minnesota include Mike Conley of the Timberwolves and Twins co-owner Jim Pohlad.
