Jaylen Brown Addresses Controversial Comment, Plans Personal Apology to Scottie Barnes
Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown is owning up to a comment he made about Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes that didn’t land the way he intended. During a recent Twitch stream, Brown praised Barnes’ physicality after Boston’s 121-113 win over Toronto on December 7.
Barnes had put up a strong stat line-18 points and 11 rebounds-and Brown clearly took notice. But while the compliment was meant to highlight Barnes’ strength, the wording sparked backlash.
“Scottie Barnes is strong as st,” Brown said during the stream. “This motherf*er got, like, that extra chromosome strength. Like, he just some type of Ninja Turtle or something, that boy strong as hell.”
The “extra chromosome” remark quickly drew criticism online, with fans pointing out its insensitivity and the term’s association with certain disabilities. What was meant as a shoutout to Barnes’ physical dominance instead became a lesson in how even well-intentioned words can miss the mark.
Brown addressed the controversy head-on during an appearance on the White Noise Podcast with Derrick & Welsh. He acknowledged the reaction and made it clear he hadn’t understood the full implications of what he said.
“First, I didn’t know that was a thing,” Brown admitted. “For Scottie, I said the comments, but I didn’t know that was something that people had already been teasing him about or something like that. So I apologize for that, for being unaware.”
Brown emphasized that his words were meant as a compliment-albeit a poorly phrased one. He explained that he was referencing superhuman strength, not trying to make fun of anyone.
“When I said ‘extra chromosome,’ people looked at it like something negative I was trying to say,” Brown continued. “But I was thinking like Superman, Incredible Hulk. I’m a Marvel guy, so ‘extra chromosome’ would be a benefit.”
He also took a moment to speak directly to any communities that may have been hurt by the comment.
“I wasn’t thinking of making fun of any community, let alone the autistic community,” Brown said. “So I will apologize for adding to the fire of something I wasn't aware of.
When I was referencing his strength, I was referencing it in the sense like, ‘This dude is like a mutant.’ Like, he is that strong.”
It’s a rare moment of vulnerability from a player known for his poise and leadership-and one that shows he’s willing to learn and take responsibility when he missteps.
Brown to Miss Saturday's Game in Toronto
Brown won’t be on the court Saturday night when the Celtics face the Raptors again in Toronto. The team announced just 90 minutes before tipoff that he would be out due to a non-COVID illness. It’s only his second missed game of the season.
While it’s unclear if Brown made the trip to Scotiabank Arena, he said earlier in the day that he intends to apologize to Barnes in person.
With Brown sidelined, Boston turned to sharpshooter Sam Hauser to fill the starting role. Guards Derrick White and Payton Pritchard are expected to shoulder more of the offensive load, while rookie Hugo Gonzalez and forward Josh Minott are likely to see increased minutes off the bench.
A Tight Race in the East
Heading into the matchup, Toronto sits at 17-11-good for third in the Eastern Conference-just a half-game ahead of Boston at 16-11. The Celtics won the first meeting between these two squads, but it wasn’t without drama.
Boston built a 23-point lead before the Raptors stormed back to briefly take control in the fourth quarter. Brown led the way in that game with 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
Now, with Brown out and Barnes looking to make another impact, Saturday’s rematch carries a little extra weight-not just in the standings, but in the ongoing story between two rising stars.