Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James has voiced his opinion on San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s protest of kneeling during the national anthem prior to NFL games. James says that while he respects what Kaepernick is doing, he has made the decision to remain standing during the national anthem this season:
LeBron James says he will stand for National Anthem, but respects and supports Kaepernick. pic.twitter.com/X36h1AMB4F
— Matt Medley (@MedleyHoops) September 26, 2016
As transcribed by Zach Harper of CBS Sports:
“First of all, I’m all in favor of anyone — athlete or non-athlete — being able to express what they believe in in a peaceful manner. That’s exactly what Colin Kaepernick is doing and I respect that. I think you guys know that when I’m passionate about something, I speak upon it. Me standing for the national anthem is something I will do. That’s who I am. That’s what I believe in. But that doesn’t mean I don’t respect and don’t agree with what Colin Kaepernick is doing.
“You have the right to voice your opinion, stand for your opinion, and he’s doing it in the most peaceful I’ve ever seen someone do. What I do not like about the situation is the negative attention that’s been thrown upon him from certain people because it’s not deserved. He was very educated, very smart, very candid, and very demanding about what he wanted to do. And he didn’t ask anybody else to join him. He did it in the most peaceful manner I’ve ever seen someone stand up and do something. So I can respect that.”
LeBron is the latest athlete to discuss what has quickly become the most-discussed topic in the world of sports. Other NBA players who have spoken about Kap’s protest include Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Victor Oladipo.
