Use a quote that could be viewed as racist?

So I'm doing a story on a kid who played high school basketball locally and is in his last year at the CC school in town. In talking about his problems defensively he said:

"I'm 6-foot-2 so I usually have to guard little point guards and they are always faster than me. I'm usually stronger than them but it's just difficult having to guard those quick little black guys."

I don't think he meant anything racist by it but running the quote will likely make people wonder and probably comment about it. His defense isn't the main topic in the story but it's pretty important and there is no other quote where talks about his problems on defense.

Should I use the quote or not? I'd hate to have someone be viewed as a racist when he isn't. He's also got black teammates who could take offense and they are about to begin tournament play.

 

You could chop the quote at "... but it's just difficult."

I wouldn't, but I would run it by my editor before publication.

 

I wouldn't use it. An example of the old "when in doubt leave it out" adage a journalism prof. once told us...

 

Would not use it. Don't want to make the kid -- or yourself -- look stupid. Especially if it doesn't add a lot (read: essential) to the story.

We all stay stuff that comes across the wrong way. Even journalists.

You could also chop the quote.

 

Could you consider removing 'black' from the quote?

 

But think of the web hits it'll generate.

 

That's what I would do but we all have different feelings about "cleaning up" quotes and many reporters and editors would not. I respect that, and assume the OP falls into that group, but in this case flexibility would seem prudent.

 

Honestly, the quote isn't especially interesting in itself, and very easily could be paraphrased.
And definitely don't use the full version.

 

Obviously he's not been taught High School Sports Cliches 101 where blacks are alway described as "athletic."

 

End the quote at "me."

It is not a bad quote because the player is admitting a shotcoming in his game, but this kid is in high school. When he is 40, and a man, then drag him through the coals.

 

He's a sophomore in college actually but still a kid basically.

I ended up paraphrasing it. Couldn't ask editor because he is out on paternity leave and the two other editors have Monday's off. I have do design the whole paper each Monday for the next three weeks and only one other reporter will read over the stuff before going to press. Essentially I hate Monday's.

 

Inky: Thank you! See the post I just put up on "athleticism."

I put it up before I read this one.