Tony Parker apologizes for controversial gesture

Tony Parker has won 3 championships with the San Antonio Spurs. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Tony Parker has apologized for using a controversial gesture, known as the "quenelle," in a photograph that was published over the weekend, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

The gesture was made popular by Dieudonné M'bala M'bala, a French comedian who has been accused of anti-Semitic speech in the past. Parker claims the photograph is more than 3 years old and that he did not understand its anti-Semitic origins until recently.

"Since I have been made aware of the seriousness of this gesture, I will certainly never repeat the gesture and sincerely apologize for any misunderstanding or harm relating to my actions. Hopefully this incident will serve to educate others that we need to be more aware that things that may seem innocuous can actually have a history of hate and hurt."

EXTRA MUSTARD: Jewish Human Rights Group Wants Tony Parker to Apologize

French soccer player Nicolas Anelka recently came under fire for using the gesture as part of a goal celebration. The West Brom player said he intended it only as a tribute to his friend Dieudonné and not as a sign of disrespect to the Jewish faith.