Protests by professional athletes, especially in the NFL, have taken over the news circuit in sports. With the NBA season set to begin soon, it’s only a matter of time before these protests spread to the NBA.
So far everything said about that possibility has been positive. The league has been working with the players’ association to find a respectful solution. The Warriors have planned panel discussions and the Pistons and Clippers have publicly supported players’ rights to protest.
Perhaps the most important proclamation about the protests during the national anthem came on Monday.
Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich via Melissa Rohlin of the San Antonio Express News:
Pop on Anthem protests: "I absolutely understand why they're doing what they're doing and I respect their courage."
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) September 26, 2016
Pop: "Race is the elephant in the room in our country."
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) September 26, 2016
Pop said he never had to talk to his kids about what to do if they're pulled over by cops. He said all of his black friends have.
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) September 26, 2016
Anytime Pop says anything, it holds a little more weight. This is especially true in this case. Not only is Gregg Popovich one of the most respected people affiliated with the NBA, but he is a former military man, having attended the US Air Force Academy.
Pop’s comments lend credence to the protests and nix the criticism that it disrespects the military. It will be interesting to see if any Spurs players take the courage, as Pop put it, to protest this season.
