Meyers Leonard’s use of an antisemitic slur brought him to a low point. But the former Illinois and NBA center has built bridges with the Jewish community in a conscious effort to atone.

“I think the set of mixed feelings is about, ‘Wow, this person who said such a horrible thing is coming to campus and expects us to welcome him with open arms?’ That was the first feeling,” London said. “A little bit held back and reserved, like, do I really want to interact with this person? The other feeling is, ‘OK, he’s here to make change. He’s here to correct himself, show he actually cares and he’s not just saying he’s sorry.’”