President Donald Trump is in the news and, while that isn’t unusual in the slightest given his office, the sports world is exploding as a result of his recent actions. For starters, Trump made profane comments about Colin Kaepernick on Friday evening and, following that, he “rescinded” a White House invite to the Golden State Warriors on the heels of Stephen Curry’s comments from media day.
The reactions have been swift from players in both the NBA and the NFL. Among them was LeBron James referring to Trump as a “bum” on Twitter and, from there, the hits kept coming.
All-NBA point guard Chris Paul did hold back, telling Trump to stay in his lane and challenging his statements.
With everything that's going on in our country, why are YOU focused on who's kneeling and visiting the White House??? #StayInYoLane
— Chris Paul (@CP3) September 23, 2017
And I doubt he's man enough to call any of those players a son of a bitch to their face…
— Chris Paul (@CP3) September 23, 2017
Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal backed up the sentiment of James in lamenting Trump’s ability to even take back the White House invite.
How you gonna withdraw an invite that somebody already said they weren't attending? 🤔🤡
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) September 23, 2017
"Get them sons of b***hes off the field!" Really my man? 🤦🏽♂️ #whatswrongwithcuz
— Bradley Beal (@RealDealBeal23) September 23, 2017
Dame had a good parallel to draw.
"I don't want to spend the night at your house " … "ok well you can't spend the night at my house anymore" https://t.co/WH5w1b2gJV
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) September 23, 2017
And the Mamba wasn’t having any of this.
https://twitter.com/kobebryant/status/911633708230176768
Long-time NFL wide receiver Victor Cruz supported LeBron’s comments.
Thanks @kingjames the truth is necessary now more than ever. https://t.co/3nCsD3fGiU
— Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) September 23, 2017
Running back LaMichael James referenced Jemele Hill and drew a parallel to NFL ownership.
Everything @jemelehill said seem just about 100% accurate now it was 99.9 trump,NFL owners … read between the lines it's clear #woke
— LaMike james (@LaMichaelJames) September 23, 2017
All-Pro Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman described Trump’s behavior as “unacceptable.”
The behavior of the President is unacceptable and needs to be addressed. If you do not Condemn this divisive Rhetoric you are Condoning it!!
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) September 23, 2017
Defensive lineman Cameron Jordan drew what some feel is an obvious distinction.
Trump and admin has now attacked Jemele Hill, Colin Kaepernick, & uninvited the warriors. All have something in common but 👀🤔 https://t.co/D1Eg9KXoVM
— Cam Jordan (@camjordan94) September 23, 2017
Bills running back Lesean McCoy didn’t mince words.
It's really sad man … our president is a asshole
— LeSean Shady Mccoy (@CutonDime25) September 23, 2017
Of course, it wasn’t just athletes who were upset and offended by Trump’s comments.
Focusing like a laser on the major problems of the American people: black professional athletes with opinions. https://t.co/yhRHZWt7dk
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) September 23, 2017
And lots of people noticed that a certain athlete escaped this kind of wrath when doing something similar in the past. Interesting.
Don't remember Trump withdrawing Tom Brady's White House invitation when Brady declined. MAGA hats have magical racism-proof powers.
— RESPECT VETS Lisa (@Lisa_Battleaxe) September 23, 2017
So Tom Brady skips the White House visit, not one word. Steph Curry says he's not going and Trump says invitation withdrawn.. What a clown!!
— Brett Ehrlich (@BrettEhrlich) September 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/JaxAlemany/status/911577059348156417
More reactions will almost certainly be coming in the (very) near future but one thing is clear. Professional athletes aren’t sticking to sports right now.
