During Media Day, many players and coaches from around the league took the opportunity to share their thoughts on the recent protests in the NFL and the president, Donald Trump.
Over the weekend, NFL players, coaches, and owners decided to protest the injustices in America during the national anthem. President Donald Trump was not happy with these demonstrations and took to Twitter (as he usually does when something bothers him) to share his thoughts. He also dedicated some of his tweeting time to rescind Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors’ invitation to the White House because Curry stated earlier that week that he didn’t want to go.
As a result, the NBA blew up Twitter with support for the protests and Curry. And today, the support from players and coaches continued at NBA Media Day. Here is a highlight of what was said.
Pistons owner Tom Gores supports his players’ right to raise awareness.
Statement from Pistons owner Tom Gores pic.twitter.com/VAf6GYF7C7
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) September 25, 2017
Aside from talking about his new roster, Celtics coach Brad Stevens also said that he would support his players’ decision to protest during the national anthem.
Stevens also said if any players want to make symbolic gestures during anthem/pregame this season, "they fully have our support."
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) September 25, 2017
Celtics GM, Danny Ainge, is all for “unified gestures.” However, there may be “potential consequences.”
Danny Ainge says players can make unified gestures, but he’d like to speak w/them 1st so they can discuss & go over potential consequences.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) September 25, 2017
LeBron James had a lot to say about Trump, sports and diversity.
Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle thinks Media Day should be about basketball, however, he said that he will support his players.
Coach Rick Carlisle on politics invading the sports world. pic.twitter.com/i2s8B02Bh3
— Eddie Sefko (@ESefko) September 25, 2017
Dirk Nowitzki also chimed in.
Dirk Nowitzki on politics/sports: "Tough times for everyone. Devisive times." Adds that it's almost 2018 and this shouldn't be in the news.
— Eddie Sefko (@ESefko) September 25, 2017
The Washington Wizards John Wall and Bradley Beal also gave their thoughts on the demonstrations and the president.
Bradley Beal called 45 a clown. pic.twitter.com/zSJJNB2TaT
— Michael Sykes, II (@MikeDSykes) September 25, 2017
New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry wants to do something positive for the community.
#Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry on the NFL protests and the comments from President Trump: pic.twitter.com/95fLLxrpA5
— Mason Ginsberg (@MasonGinsberg) September 25, 2017
Gentry on whether any #Pelicans players came to him with the desire to do something for the national anthem: pic.twitter.com/Zbde4nvkXm
— Mason Ginsberg (@MasonGinsberg) September 25, 2017
And Pelicans star DeMarcus Cousins weighed in as well.
Full quote from DeMarcus Cousins about Donald Trump and the overall political/sports landscape: pic.twitter.com/u5vl7e1BXW
— Mason Ginsberg (@MasonGinsberg) September 25, 2017
Toronto Raptors GM Masai Ujiri spoke about championship visits.
Masai Ujiri on White House visits: "When we win a championship, we will deal with that issue. But I think we'll be fine with Trudeau." pic.twitter.com/hnCcDoo7tv
— Raptors Nation™ (@WeTheNorth__) September 25, 2017
Gregg Popovich had a lot to say about the state of America, Trump and players standing up against injustices.
#Spurs Gregg Popovich discusses President Trumps comments, says his players have right to speak out, have full support #KSATsports #KSATnews pic.twitter.com/ASueVlmIvH
— RJ Marquez (@KSATRJ) September 25, 2017
Gregg Popovich on divisive culture, race in US: Discussion has to take place, even if it's uncomfortable #Spurs pic.twitter.com/rKn75y3z8X
— RJ Marquez (@KSATRJ) September 25, 2017
Popovich: "We still have no clue what being born white means."
— tim cato (@tim_cato) September 25, 2017
here's the full quote pic.twitter.com/sI98j9gNMs
From all that was said, it would seem that the players and coaches are unanimously for protesting the injustices in America.