Bigotry Killed the Football Star (The NFL is Running Out of Chances)

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In a previous article, I wrote about how successful the National Football League continues to be despite the past several seasons. The National Football League has experienced its fair share of controversial incidents. 

And trust the NFL will be fine, but… being as popular and as important as it is in 2019, will come to an end. 

Gonna use the classic one-hit-wonder song, Video Killed the Radio Star (1979) by the English new wave band The Buggles, to illustrate my point. 

This song has historical significance because it was the first music video aired on MTV, forever changing the landscape of music.

From that point, music was no longer just about making an album, getting radio play, and then going on tour. 

Music videos allowed pre-MTV artists to present themselves to a younger population, and for those apart of the “MTV” revolution, it allowed them to not only build a fanbase through their music, but videos as well (such as MJ’s Thriller). 

Radio, of course, continued, but DJ’s controlling what you heard was now over. That power and control had forever shifted to multiple players.

The NFL seems to be the radio of late whereas the National Basketball Association is MTV, Spotify, SoundCloud, basically anything but the boring radio. 

NBA owners and commissioner Adam Silver seem to have the formula for a winning culture, which includes both the players and fan base alike. A formula or culture the NFL simply doesn’t have.

Like radio stations and their bosses caring less about anything not directly linked to increasing their profits, the NFL wants no parts of. 

MTV caved to pressuring from noble English artists like David Bowie to play videos by Black artists like Michael Jackson. Think about that… in 1981, MTV didn’t want to play MJ. Yes, that Michael Jackson… and before you could blink, they came out with Yo! MTV Raps a few years later.

The NBA got rid of racist LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling. The NBA listened to players about playing back-to-back games, and now the NBA is listening to fans to curb players sitting games. 

The NFL on the other hand, we still don’t know what a catch is! And the newly implemented rules to protect the quarterback seem to be the latest change, which isn’t sitting well with their players or fans. 

Disclaimer – I’ve never played organized football. I fully support the NFL’s effort to curb concussions, head injuries, and increase the overall safety in football. However, new rules seem to protect one position the most… the quarterback. 

Why? 

It’s two-fold… the QB is the single most important player in any team sport, BUT (and you know it’s coming)… many believe that because the position of QB is still resoundingly White, more protection must be made to avoid injuries and further their careers. 

This new rule began in 2018. (Rule 12, Section 2, Article 9(b)) calls for a “roughing the passer” penalty when a defensive player lands on a passer “with all or most of the defender’s weight.” In other words, falling on a quarterback is illegal, even when it’s the result of an otherwise legal hit.

Defensive players and surprisingly even former quarterbacks like Steve Young question these new “can’t touch the quarterback” rules.

These rules have changed the course of NFL history, literally. Case and point… last years AFC title game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots, New England QB Tom Brady was gifted a roughing the passer call, which of course led to a touchdown and ultimately a win in overtime. 

Then there’s the incident between Cleveland Browns Lineman Myles Garrett and Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Mason Rudolph. The helmet swung that has been seen around the world. 

The optics – A big muscle-bound Black man swinging his helmet against a clean-cut White man. 

The facts – both Garrett AND Rudolph contributed to the brawl. Yes, Garrett deserves a heavier punishment for swinging his helmet, but that’s about it. 

The outcome – Out of all players involved only the Black players received suspensions. Rudolph, the White quarterback only received a fine. 

The NFL should be careful… I can see and hear that Buggles music video playing now. 

Similar Read: Corporate Social Justice, By Jay-Z 

Can’t Get On My Level

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My business mentor once said, “leverage is the most important thing anyone can have.” He would go onto to explain that leverage, or influence, is the only element that makes things happen. 

He wasn’t lying. Think about it… 

Leverage or influence is power over another, and this isn’t necessarily right or wrong; but it’s simply needed to make things happen. 

There was no better display of leverage than this past weekend when NBA free agent Kawhi Leonard, and reigning NBA Finals MVP, after much-anticipated wait and speculation, informed the Los Angeles Clippers that he would be there uniform for the next 4 seasons… but… not before bringing along five-time All-NBA team power forward Paul George. 

PG13, Playoff P, or just Paul George, prior to Kahwi’s demands was still a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the midst of a recently signed four-year 137 million dollar contract. 

So how on Earth did this happen then? 

Leverage. 

Something not even a top NFL QB like Tom Brady or Russell Wilson could demand. A demand that requires leverage, and frankly only possible in the NBA. Kawhi, a free agent who had NEVER been on a particular team and still NOT signed to said team, tells the team he will sign, but only if his boy comes along???? Yeah, that’s exactly what Kawhi did… and it worked. 

Brady or Wilson making that demand and seeing it come to fruition… not happening. 

And, that’s why NBA players, particularly top-end players like Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Kawhi Leonard, are the face of their league and the reason why the NBA brand continues to grow… because their players have leverage. The owners must split 50% of profits with their players, making NBA players and owners true partners, unlike the other major sports which have no such arrangement. 

Kawhi knew he had both the star power and leverage needed to make his demands, and more importantly, make sure his demands were met. 

You have to tip your hat to Kawhi and take note. When you have leverage, make sure you take advantage.  

A Tale of Two Titles

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The two time defending NBA champions Golden State Warriors will have the chance to defend their title against either the Milwaukee Bucks or Toronto Raptors. The good money is on the Bucks, and for the sake of a competitive series against the Warriors, let’s hope it’s the Bucks. The champs managed to beat both the Houston Rockets and Portland Trailblazers… without four-time scoring champ and back to back NBA finals MVP Kevin Durant. Durant is questionable… at best… to play at all during the entire finals. Yes, the Warriors won a title without Kevin Durant, back in 2015. Those Warriors did win; however, they did so by needing six games to beat a Cleveland Cavaliers team who had just LeBron James, some guy named Matthew Dellavedova, and me. Both Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving were injured during the playoffs with Irving being injured during game one of the finals.

That one Kevin Durant-less title does beg the question, how good are the Warriors when all their title runs were against injured depleted teams or only with the current unbeatable version with Kevin Durant?

Well… there are two different truths to that answer.

The first truth. The Warriors built their main core via the draft. How a team drafts is the most honest and telling of true basketball knowledge in a front office. Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green were all drafted. The Warriors can’t help who they face. They can’t help the fact Chris Paul and Blake Griffin never stayed healthy when the Clippers were the team most equal to them. They can’t the help James Harden and his Houston Rockets simply don’t translate their regular season into the playoffs. They can’t even help the fact they got Durant. He was a free agent in the summer of 2016, who could have gone anywhere and any team could have gotten him.

The second truth. The Warriors in 2015 lost against the Cavs. LeBron and the Cav’s loaded up in 2016 and beat the 73 win Warriors in a classic seven-game Finals. In 2017 and 2018 the Warriors had KD. And simply put, when you add a four-time scoring champion like Durant to a team with a perennial defensive player of the year candidate in Draymond Green, a two time NBA MVP in Steph Curry, and one of the greatest shooters in the game in Klay Thompson… no one is beating that team. No one. Not Russell’s Celtics, Bird’s Celtics, Magic’s Lakers, Mike’s Bulls, or Lebron’s Cavs… no one.

Which makes this title run the true test.

The Warriors without Kevin Durant going against a fully healthy squad in the Finals is something we haven’t seen since 2016 (when they lost).

Look, the Warriors ruined title competition the past two years with KD. The basketball Gods have balanced the playing field again. Which truth will unfold this time in June? If the Warriors win, their title run goes without question. If they lose, the true mightiness of the Warriors and their place in history will definitely be questioned, and deservingly so.

Segregated Rosters

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This current NFL offseason has been arguably the most eventful in NFL history. The antics of Antonio “big chest” Brown have been the most entertaining. Brown, arguably the best all-around wide receiver in the NFL, showcased his desire to leave the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rarely seen in the NFL are players who publicly demand transactions on their behalf. Unlike in the NBA or Major League Baseball even, players in the NFL have found out all too well that the NFL is NOT a players league and only the very elite players have any leverage.

Some have tried to increase that leverage at their own personal expense.

Look no further than Antonio Brown’s former teammate, Le’Veon Bell. Bell, who sacrificed an entire season of play and salary, did so in an attempt to get running backs, in particular, bigger salaries and more guaranteed money.

His new contract with the Jets doesn’t really reflect any true success on that venture; however; the new collective bargaining between the NFL players association and the 32 owners is near, and I hope his sacrifice doesn’t go in total vain.

That was a good part of the offseason. The bad part is two-fold…

The past few days the NFL has been filled with player transactions. Either via trade or free agent signings, teams have been seen as either wanting to win or not knowing what they’re doing (cough the New York Giants).

It has to be mentioned this offseason saw the firing of five Black head coaches. All were replaced by a White head coach, shocker, except for Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins.

In conjunction with the firing of Black coaches has been a frenzy of free agent signings and trades.

Specifically, take a look at the Jets and Browns who both have made major moves this off-season. Each netting a top player at key positions. It’s important to note: those same moves and transactions were not made when they had Black head coaches. In other words, Black head coaches were given terrible rosters, yet expected to win. However, their White coaching replacements have been given day one rosters with Pro Bowl talent, which puts them in a much better position to win and be successful immediately. 

Sounds like segregated payrolls to me and possibly a more sinister motive in the making.

The NY Jets General Manager of the past four years, Mike Maccagnan, kept his job. Despite voiding the Jets roster of a true pass rusher, running back, wide receiver, and of course a quarterback. 

The Browns started to give Hue Jackson players this past season, and success soon followed while under his watch. However, nothing compared in what the Browns have recently done this offseason, including getting Odell Beckham Jr.

So what gives?

Why are Black coaches given little to no effort under their respective watch with proper rosters, yet as soon as they’re fired, the front office magically begins constructing a team capable of something.

I’m just waiting for the Dolphins to be as advertised, terrible, and fire Brian Flores sometime January 2020. And then sign Patrick Maholmes, Zeke Elliot, and Julio Jones March 2020, of course beforehand hire some random young White college coach who had coffee with Sean McVay and liked a picture of Baker Mayfield on Instagram. Because you know, that’s the growing credentials these days for NFL head coaches. ? 

Similar Read: What the Giants Trade Says About the Black Athlete

It’s Deeper Than “I like Mike!”

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Last week, LeBron James opened his I Promise School in his hometown Akron, Ohio. The $8 million public school focuses on at-risk youth and their families. The kids get free uniforms, free bicycles and helmets, free breakfast, lunch, AND snacks… their families get food pantries, their parents get GED and job placement services, and if or when the kids graduate, they get to attend the University of Akron for free. That’s a dream come true for 240 kids and their families, and a hell of a good deed for a man who could easily be worried about his transition to LA or his multiple business ventures. Instead, he decided to give back in the most significant way possible.

Regardless of your political views, where you’re from or where you work, it’s hard not to feel good about such a story that will have a positive impact on hundreds of kids and their families from day 1. Right?

Wrong… Trump couldn’t help himself. LeBron did an exclusive interview with CNN’s Don Lemon about the school shortly after it opened. In the interview LeBron was candid about how he believed Trump has successfully used sports to divide us. In typical Trump fashion, he attacked LeBron and Don Lemon on twitter.

And if that wasn’t petty enough, he added “I like Mike!”, which on the surface just looks like a jab in the on-going and never-ending debate of who’s better, MJ or LeBron.

But when you dig a little deeper and read between the lines, you should recognize the legitimate criticism Jordan has received over the years for his apolitical positions and lack of support and charity for communities of color. Considering many of the kids in these communities have struggled, fought, and in some cases died wearing his Air Jordan sneakers, you quickly realize Donald Trump liking Mike over LeBron has nothing to do with their game on the court. One could easily insinuate that he prefers the rich, quiet, passive Black athlete who’s happy with his money and status, like Jordan, instead of the rich, vocal, and extremely active Black athlete who is intent on pushing the conversation and having an impact on his community, like LeBron.

You got all that from “I like Mike!”? Yes, we did. But you be the judge.

Don Lemon being the dumbest man on TV and LeBron not being smart are just the latest dog whistle tweets and remarks in a long history of Trump attacking the intellect of Black people. More and more Republicans are starting to push back on Trump and his rhetoric… they push back on Russia and his odd obsession with Putin, they push back on his trade policies… but never on race, never when he takes an uncalled for shot at a person of color.

Will any prominent Republican’s denounce his tweets on LeBron? Probably not. In a country where minorities will soon be the majority, Republican’s might want to think about to trying to appeal to all American’s. Letting sexist, racist, xenophobic comments and remarks go unchecked, even if it is from the leader of the free world, will catch up to their party sooner than later.

One-Sided (Foolish) Loyalty

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Jackie Robinson and Muhammed Ali probably rolled in their graves after hearing Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott speak about the national anthem debate…

“We’re the Dallas Football Cowboys, America’s Team. We stand for the national anthem.” – Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys starting running back

You work you’re entire life to fulfill a childhood dream – a dream that less than 1% get to live. You get there, you realize the average shelf life for said career is 3 years, so you focus on staying healthy and doing the best you can in arguably the most competitive sport in the world. Most people get that.

But read a book, watch a documentary, realize your pro football opportunity is possible because of your athletic ability. That athletic ability, which allows you to run fast, jump high, and throw a ball 70 yards was gifted to you by God or whomever you believe in, not Jerry Jones. Jerry does sign your checks, correct… but let’s hope those checks last long beyond your NFL career. Let’s hope if or when one of you gets hurt (because the injury rate in the NFL is 100%), that Jerry returns the loyalty during your contract year when you’re trying to get paid. Let’s also hope he’s just as loyal when you have a bad statistical season… and there’s a talented rookie who’s making rookie minimum in comparison to your millions, and fans are calling for him to replace you, which would make room in the cap for younger/cheaper players, or better free agents.

The business of professional sports is brutal, and history tells us Jerry won’t be as loyal. Just look at recent history… the Celtic’s had no problem shipping Isaiah Thomas out of town, and you could make the argument that his career has went downhill ever since. How about DeMar DeRozan? Despite being in his prime, being the all-time leader in several statistical categories for the Toronto Raptors, and literally putting that team on his back, they had no problem sending him to San Antonio. (At least NBA players can rely on guaranteed contracts.)

But why such one-sided loyalty? Are these athletes that young, naive, or that beholden to the lifestyle and income that they’re willing to say and do whatever it takes to stay there, or not upset ownership? Maybe it’s all of the above, or maybe it’s something else.

Either way, Jackie Robinson, Muhammed Ali, and countless others who risked their lives and paved the way for guys like Dak and Ezekiel to play in these pro leagues and sign such lucrative contracts, deserve better.

LeBron James & Politics… Marginalized Groups Should Take Note

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“Marginalized groups in America should employ the LeBron James Free Agency Model. The model being, never be predictable, make all moves in accordance with what you want, and have said moves impact the course of others.”

It’s very fitting that Superstar LeBron James has made the Los Angeles Lakers his possible career-ending landing spot. The Lakers are the most storied franchise in professional basketball, and Los Angeles is easily the most glamorized city in America. LeBron, since high school, has been the most covered sports star in America, if not the world. Only Tiger Woods could cough in the room to express a disagreement. With that being said, the NBA free agency frenzy that is “What will LeBron do,” has received more coverage than even the NFL offseason and all of their off the field issues. (Follow up article on the NBA going head to head with the NFL is for a future date.) 

It got me to thinking about how LeBron has made his decisions regarding his career, and how those seeking political power should take notice. I’ll explain.

LeBron has independently orchestrated all his unpredictable career moves to the beat of his Akron, Ohio drum. His moves have been calculated and unorthodox, those same moves caused other teams and players to change their course of action. Case and point, in an effort to make the Cleveland Cavaliers younger and possibly retain Lebron’s talent and keep it in Ohio for good, the Cavs front office made an unorthodox move themselves by trading away their future to a team (LA Lakers) in which LeBron could be headed to. And whata ya know, LeBron is headed to LA, a move possibly not open without that trade during the regular season.

For the first time in the history of sports, one player in a sense, their sole actions impact every other team and every other player in their respective league. Power!

How does that work politically?

When a small social group is in a plight to be equal with a larger social group, the worst thing said group should do is become predictable. Their second worse move should be one of isolation. Instead, their moves should be unpredictable and felt by others. Think lawsuits for coffee being too hot and now all coffee cups cautioning you a hot beverage is actually hot.

Politically speaking, certain groups have become as predictable as they’ve become marginalized, and their actions have become isolated. For example, Black Americans are exclusively Democrat voters, even if not registered with the party. Though such a political force has force, it doesn’t have power. There’s a difference.

True power is leverage, leverage to be used to get what you want and how you want it.

LeBron James used his skill set as leverage to not only land a big paycheck, $154 million to be exact, but he also used his leverage to arrange the best situation at that time for him and his family. Why stay in Cleveland and lose, when you can go to Miami and win with friends? Certain social-political groups should question why they’re so vested and beholden to a party or platform that does not ensure what they want, let alone basic liberties. 

Black Americans have dangerously hindered their own progress on key issues partly due to committing to only one political party. This has double ramifications. 1) The other party has completely shut them out because they know they’re never going to support them. And 2) the so-called party who’s supposed to have their back has to only do so much, why? Because they’ve have them under contract and they know they’re never hitting free agency for a better deal.

A double dribble if you will… a conundrum for Black Americans and other marginalized groups? Maybe.

I’m not suggesting all Black American’s flock to the Republican Party. But like LeBron, be unpredictable. If they left the Democratic Party like LeBron left Cleveland, if or when they came back, who knows, they just might make history and win a championship.

Your perspective is important… let us know what you think?

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What’s The Difference? LeBron and the Hypocrisy of Politics

by with One Comment Sports

Back in the day, I’m talking way before hashtags, Dr. Dre dropped his classic 2001 Chronic album. One of the lead singles was “What’s the difference,” a song in which Dr. Dre questioned why he had been the target of so much criticism for doing the same things other rappers had done in their careers. The song reminds me of the criticism of LeBron James, a criticism he receives that’s simply not exclusive to him as a player. 

Related: Anthem Penalties? They Are Who We Thought They Were

Despite very few flaws in his game, LeBron SHOULD get criticized for his blah career free throw percentage (upper 70s) and the fact that he averaged 4 turnovers a game this season, which is 2x more than his buddy Chris Paul.

But that’s not the criticism. Instead, most of the criticism and negative talking points about him have nothing to do with his actual game on the court. Two of them come to mind…

Taking his talents to South Beach and creating a “super team.”

So what. I’ve been to Cleveland several times, and I’ve been Miami several times as well… it’s a no-brainer. But that’s not the main gripe, it’s this myth that he “created” a super team and he was the first to do it. 

Yes, LeBron, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade were the first stars to construct the nucleus of a team; however, General Managers have been building teams with multiple stars for years. No team has ever won a championship without multiple all-star caliber players.

Let’s look at a few… Bird doesn’t win without Parish and McHale. Thomas doesn’t win without the Bad Boys. Jordan doesn’t win without Harper, Rodman, and Pippen.

And the second critique… Lebron’s not a “killer.”

A very subjective measurement of a player, and one that LeBron apparently doesn’t have. Lebron lacking the “Jordan” or “Kobe” killer mentality comes from his deferment to pass in situations rather than take a contested shot because he’s the best player. And the best player does whatever it takes to win.

Despite being the only player to average a triple-double in the NBA finals, leading multiple statistical categories on both finals teams for the past four years, and three NBA finals MVPs… he’s not a killer? 

I don’t get it. I’m obviously a LeBron fan. But I just don’t understand the furious hate LeBron receives when other notable players seem to escape the same level of disdain.

I said all that to say this… 

Considering serious social and political issues in our country, the uncanny criticism of LeBron is akin to the hypocrisy of American politics. Perfect example, Roseanne Barr was recently fired from her show for a series of racially motivated comments. The right has gone crazy suggesting a violation of free speech – the same free speech that NFL players exercised by silently kneeling during the National Anthem that they said was disrespectful to the flag and military, therefore justifying Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reed not having a job. 

Perceptions and opinions have dangerously turned into facts. If having discussions and problem-solving were hard before, then they’ll likely be much tougher moving forward… tougher than Lebron and the Cavaliers playing the Golden State Warriors in this year’s NBA Finals. Just don’t say that in front of Kobe and Michael Jordan fans, because they simply won’t see the difference.

Point out the hypocrisy… it’s staring us in the face everyday. 

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Dreams or Nightmares? It’s on Meek

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Possibly the most impactful disparity in this nation exists in the judicial system. It’s an unfortunate reality black people know well and have to cope with every day. 

After failing to advance to the second round the previous two seasons, prior to the start of the 2007 NBA playoffs, the Houston Rockets star player Tracy McGrady was asked by ESPN commentator Stephen A Smith would they get out of the first round of the playoffs. McGrady responded with a now infamous sentence, “If we don’t get out of the first round, it’s on me!” He repeatedly said the phrase “it’s on me.” Houston would go on to lose another first round playoff series in seven games to end their season. And at his postgame press conference following the Game 7 defeat, McGrady, still visibly emotional from the loss, said, “I tried, man, I tried.” McGrady was never able to lead the Rockets out of the first round in the playoffs. Ironically, after suffering a season-ending injury followed by surgery in 2009, Mc Grady watched the Rockets finally advance to the second round. Damn.

Speaking of NBA playoffs, Meek Mill, the Philadelphia native rapper, attended game five of the Philadelphia 76ers playoff matchup against the Miami Heat (4/24/18). The same Meek Mill Jay-Z and Beyoncé rapped “Free Meek” in their top-down Maybach in their collaboration single Top Off… that Meek Mill? Yes, that Meek Mill, and to quote Pac he’s “free like OJ all day.”

Granted no draconian post bail arrangement was made for Meek Mill like Tupac made with Suge Knight and Death Row records; however, it did take 76ers Co-owner Michael Rubin, Jay-Z, and other notable figures becoming vocal for Meek Mill to obtain an immediate release after serving five months in prison. Meek Mill had been in prison due to a pair of arrests that took place in 2017. He was involved in a fight in St. Louis and got caught recklessly driving his motorbike in New York City. Although both charges were dropped, Judge Genece E. Brinkley, a black female judge, reached her breaking point and sentenced him to two to four years in prison for violating his probation. A probation that spans 10 years, which included arrests from officials reportedly smelling marijuana coming from his vehicle to booking performances outside of Philly without Judge Genece Brinkley’s approval. 

Most would point to Meek Mill and put it all on him like Tracy McGrady was made to be the scapegoat for years of first round playoff exits. (McGrady really did try – he averaged over 27 points per a game with Houston during those first round exits.) And yes, Meek Mill has been arrested several times; however, the crimes were never on the same level as say… Ethan Couch. You remember him, right? In 2013, Ethan Couch, at 16 years old, with a group of friends stole beer from a store and had a party at his parents’ house before going for a drive. He then struck and killed four people on the side of a road near Fort Worth, Texas, and paralyzed a passenger in his car who now suffers from brain damage. Despite defying prosecutors who sought a 20-year prison sentence, Couch would only serve a 720-day sentence. Did I mention he’s rich and white? I know, spoiler alert. He gained fame by being dubbed the “affluenza teen.” This label was given after a psychologist suggested during his trial that growing up with money might have left him with psychological afflictions, too rich to tell right from wrong. You read that correctly… too rich to know right and wrong.

Back to Meek – I know there are historical cases in which rich black people got off due to their fame and fortune. The operative word is historical, for we can only name a few of them, whereas daily black people are disproportionally punished for the same offenses as white people. The disproportions for black people regarding punishment is felt at every level… from being given more suspensions in grade school, to receiving harsher and longer punishments for the same offenses, from traffic court to even receiving worst punishments than their white soldier counterparts in military court proceedings.

What this means for the likes of Meek Mill is understanding the fine line him and other men of color must walk regarding law and order. This is not a call for respectability politics – the theory if one looked and acted right they would never get into trouble. There isn’t anything to combat the mindset of a biased police officer, a vengeful judge, or a merciless prosecutor. Meek Mill and others must understand like Tracy McGrady said, it’s on them, whether they place the target on themselves or not. Tracy McGrady stated he would carry his team to victory and the opposition exposed that statement. Meek Mill knows he’s a target, and they’re literally waiting to see if and when he acts up again. A slip up where he can only blame himself. 

Meek Mill was all smiles during the playoff game as the cameras caught him sitting beside comedian Kevin Hart. It’s on him, and only him to never again have those same cameras catch him walking up the steps of a courthouse. 

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White Athlete Denounces Trump, Discusses Human Emotion

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President Trump’s recent comments about NFL and NBA players have caused an uproar and sparked much conversation around our nation. The majority of professional athletes in the NFL and NBA are African-American, and many have been vocal about their support of Colin Kaepernick and why they’ve chosen to kneel as well.

During the Philadelphia 76ers media day, JJ Redick, an 11 year NBA Veteran, unequivocally denounced President Trump as well. In less than 60 seconds, JJ touched on oppression, human emotion, being anti-Trump, his daily breakfast, and protesting.

“How often do you go through a day and not be offended by the guy?” – JJ Redick, 76ers Shooting Guard 

Should other white professional athletes speak up in support of their teammates and denounce Trump?

Does their support matter?