Unlike LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, David West or even Steve Kerr, Stephen Curry has been relatively quiet when it comes to politics following the election in November. While numerous big name NBA people have talked about the new president and some of his actions so far, the NBA’s two-time reigning NBA MVP has not voiced his opinion. Until now.
Following from Marcus Thompson of Mercury News.
Once again, Stephen Curry has found himself in the middle of a political issue. Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank, in an interview with CNBC, said President Donald Trump is an “asset” to the country.
“I agree with that description,” Curry said, “if you remove the et.”
He thought he was sure where Plank stood based on his track record. So Curry, one of the most popular of Under Armour’s endorsers, said he was surprised to see his CEO praising Trump.
“I definitely spent all day yesterday on the phone,” Curry said, “with countless people at Under Armour, countless people in Kevin Plank’s camp, my team, trying to understand what was going on and where everybody stood on the issue. Based off of the release that KP sent out this morning, and what he told me last night, that’s the Under Armour that I know. That’s the brand that I know he’s built and one that, as of Wednesday afternoon, is something that I’m standing on.”
Plank explained his stance to Curry on Tuesday, how his comments were meant exclusively from a business perspective. He distanced himself from controversial policies and comments Trump have made, which have enranged women, Muslims, Mexicans, African-Americans and the impoverished across the nation.
On Wednesday, Under Armour released a statement that explained Plank was part of a collaboration of private industry powers putting their brains together to affect change. Curry said that statement reflects what he believed to be true about Plank and Under Armour.
Curry said Plank working with Trump isn’t a deal breaker. He said he is more concerned about Under Armour not adopting Trump’s values.
“It’s a fine line but it’s about how we’re operating,” Curry said, “how inclusive we are, what we stand for. He’s the President. There are going to be people that are tied to them. But are we promoting change? Are we doing things that are going to look out for everybody? And not being so self-serving that it’s only about making money, selling shoes, doing this and that. That’s not the priority. It;s about changing lives. I think we can continue to do that.”
In his eight-year career, Curry has not been one to speak out on many social issues, until now. He is under contract to Under Armour until 2024 and also has an ownership stake in the company including being a shareholder with the company.
