The sports world collided with a huge social issue when Colin Kaepernick decided to start protesting the national anthem before preseason and now regular season games. Since Kaepernick’s protest became a national story, several NFL players have decided to kneel or hold up their fists during the anthem, while athletes in other sports have either shown support or criticized the backup quarterback for the way he’s decided to protest.
On the NBA side of things, Carmelo Anthony has been active in the Black Lives Matter movement, even showing up at a protest for Freddie Gray last year. Inspired by Kaepernick’s momentum, Anthony has reportedly reached out to his NFL counterpart to discuss what the next steps are for the movement.
@carmeloanthony tells me he's had e-mail exchanges w/ @Kaepernick7 and supports him. Also wants to take "the next step" to help communities.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) September 26, 2016
What’s next has been a question many have been asking. Kaepernick has pledged to donate $1 million of his earnings, spread out over the next 10 months, to social programs that help underprivileged communities, but many feel much more action needs to be taken to see some real change, something that Anthony also agrees with.
Melo, on issues he's spoken up at lately: Feels things have been getting worse & will continue to until nation finds a way to come together
— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) September 26, 2016
Change has to come from those with influence on both sides, but it’s great to see two prominent athletes willing to put their respective reputations on the line to help better their communities.
(via Posting and Toasting)
