The NBA And Its Stars React To Colin Kaepernick, Protests, And Social Injustice On Media Day


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After Colin Kaepernick ignited a media firestorm with his refusal to stand during the national anthem, numerous athletes followed in his footsteps. As the NBA opened training camps around the league on Monday, the topic loomed large over almost every discussion. Players such as Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade have become increasingly outspoken about topics like police violence against the black community, and it’s not a stretch to think that protests like Kaepernick’s could spread around the league this season.

Although many are circumspect about whether they plan to kneel in solidarity, they were all asked to comment on it during Monday’s league-wide media availability for the coming season. Here’s some of what they had to say.


LeBron James had similar things to say with regard to peaceful protest and respect for Kaepernick, but also told reporters his son getting pulled over by police would be a “scary-ass situation” for him.

Clippers coach Doc Rivers has said previously that he not only will support his players’ right to protest; he hopes they will make that decision collectively. Blazers GM Neil Olshey expressed a similar sentiment.

Gregg Popovich’s typically sensible thoughts on the matter are perhaps best summarized by this tidbit.

For Thabo Sefolosha, who had his leg broken in an encounter with police last summer, it’s something that hit particularly close to home.

Mavericks center Andrew Bogut underscored just what a complex issue it is, especially for international players who have been given the opportunity to come to America to pursue their dreams. Via Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com:

“Being around obviously a lot of African-American teammates, I’ve kind of been more and more educated about it throughout my career. In the same sense, it’s hard for me. America’s been a place that’s let me live my dream and play NBA basketball at the highest level, make a boatload of money doing what I love doing. I understand from the African-American point of view, my teammates’ point of view, if they didn’t want to stand and [chose to] be a part of that kind of protest. At the same time, I’m thankful. America’s provided a lot for me, so it’s a tough one for me [because] I’m very supportive of my teammates.”

We won’t know the full scale of what this might look like until opening night, but it’s clearly something permeating the league’s collective conscience.

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