Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala (Flickr)
Since NFL player Colin Kaepernick began his protest of the national anthem, Golden State Warriors players Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Andre Iguodala voiced their support of the matter.
Kaepernick stated the move spotlights the oppression of Black men and women, according to Atlanta Black Star.
Speaking with The Undefeated, Iguodala shared that his son understands what message the footballer is trying to send.
“The problem is no one wants to accept what he is saying,” Iguodala said. “They want to be blind to the fact that we are treated this way. And when someone does stand up, they don’t like the gesture or the way they’re standing up. They’re not getting to the actual issue.”
Durant, who is new to the Warriors, explained Kaepernick’s first goal was to begin conversations about social injustice.
“It was not about how he was going to give the message,” Durant said of the San Francisco 49er sitting and then kneeling during the anthem. “It was what he was trying to get out, the change that needs to happen in our country. And I think just having that conversation is great.”
But Warriors forward Draymond Green believed “it’s not just the killing of Black people” that needs to change.
While he backed Kaepernick’s actions, he wondered what was next.
However, Thompson thought the quarterback had a definitive plan “to make [a] change.”
“He’s just not trying to get attention,” he told the sports website. “He’s really trying to make a difference. He’s getting all the jersey sales and he’s pledging $1 million to different organizations. It’s great. I don’t think he is trying to disrespect the military or anyone who has fought representing this country. I think he is trying to make a change for people who don’t have a voice like he does.”
Warriors point guard Stephen Curry told The Undefeated there is a “100 percent” chance the team will speak about possibly making a uniform gesture to spotlight police violence against Black Americans.
Team coach Steve Kerr revealed he will leave the choice to protest up to individual players.
But newcomer David West doesn’t know if he will engage.
Regardless, he said anyone looking to participate should feel “personally convicted.”
“Feel like if you’re doing something, what you’re doing is from you and not because it’s the popular thing to do.”
