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.
Curry on Kap: "I respect what he's doing & the message that he's fighting for. I hope all the spotlight is on the message & making changes."
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) September 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/erikmal/status/780502815261077504
https://twitter.com/erikmal/status/780502948296003584
"There are lives being taken, but they want to criticize what Colin is doing instead of criticizing what is going on," – Draymond Green.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) September 26, 2016
Wade on Kaepernick/anthem protests: "I think it's great when you see an athlete use his voice."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) September 26, 2016
Wade: "For me, guys in this city, we have a different battle. What am I capable of doing in this city, with the youth in a bigger way."
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) September 26, 2016
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.
LeBron calls it a "scary-ass situation" having a son 4 years away from driving age and knowing what could happen if he's pulled over
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) September 26, 2016
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.
Olshey on possible player protests: "They know whatever they choose to do, they have our support 100 percent."
— Joe Freeman (@BlazerFreeman) September 26, 2016
Gregg Popovich’s typically sensible thoughts on the matter are perhaps best summarized by this tidbit.
Pop said he never had to talk to his kids about what to do if they're pulled over by cops. He said all of his black friends have.
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) September 26, 2016
For Thabo Sefolosha, who had his leg broken in an encounter with police last summer, it’s something that hit particularly close to home.
Asked Thabo Sefolosha for his thoughts and emotions on current protests. His response: pic.twitter.com/XRSIgQ7FFg
— Kevin Chouinard (@KLChouinard) September 26, 2016
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.
