Breaking news
Courtesy of the NBA.
Orlando Magic, power forward Jonathan Isaac He became the first NBA player to stand up during the national anthem after the season restart … deciding to both kneel and wear a Black Lives Matter shirt.
The coaches, referees and players of the league, from Lebron James to Zion Williamson – I’ve been using hymn demonstrations to raise awareness as games resume in Orlando … a gesture that is being supported by the NBA community Adam Silver.
Isaac became the first player to choose to stand as the anthem was played prior to the Magic’s showdown with the Brooklyn Nets on Friday … while the rest of the players and team staff knelt.
Worth noting: Silver says everyone will have the option to kneel during the anthem without consequence … even though a league rule requires players to stand up.
The same goes for anyone who wants to stand up – no one says players HAVE to kneel down either.
Until now, Jonathan has not commented on his decision to appear publicly, because the game is currently being played. But, when you do, we will update here.
Charles Barkley He spoke about the protests Thursday during TNT’s “Inside The NBA,” saying, “The national anthem means different things to different people.”
“I’m glad these guys are unified. If people don’t kneel, they’re not a bad person. I want to make it perfectly clear. I’m glad they had unity, but we do have a guy who doesn’t.” I don’t want to kneel because the hymn means something to him, he shouldn’t be reviled. “
The Magic released a statement in support of the rally, saying: “The DeVos family and the Orlando Magic organization fully support Magic players who have chosen to take advantage of their professional platform to send a peaceful and powerful message condemning intolerance, racial injustice and the unwarranted use of violence by the police, especially against people of color. “
“We are proud of the positive impact our players have had and join them in believing that sport can bring people together, uniting divisions and promoting inclusion, equality, diversity and unity.”
