September 20, 2010
Casspi billboard defaced for second time
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A billboard featuring Israeli-born NBA player Omri Casspi was defaced with a swastika for the second time.
The billboard was discovered vandalized on Sept. 16, the second time in about a week, the Sacramento Bee reported. It was painted over before most people were able to see it, according to the newspaper. The first attack took place on Sept. 8, Rosh Hashanah eve.
Casspi, a forward for the Sacramento Kings, is the first Israeli player in the NBA. He called the first incident “hurtful” in an interview with the Sacramento Bee.
The Anti-Defamation League on Sept. 14 announced a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever painted the swastika.
Kings co-owner Joe Maloof said the team would match the ADL’s reward, the Bee reported.
Both acts of vandalism are being investigated as possible hate crimes, Sacramento Police Sgt. Norm Leong told the Bee, but said police have no leads in either incident.
