Colin Kaepernick silently started a movement by sitting during the national anthem to symbolize he does not accept the discrimination of black citizens. Since Colin’s quiet protest there has been thousands of people following in his footsteps, and millions taking notice.
Adam Silver, the NBA commissioner, has also noticed the protest and has let his opinion be heard. “I don’t know if the players are organizing anything. All I can say is what we have seen in the multiple preseason games so far is our players standing for the national anthem. It would be my hope that they continue standing for the national anthem. I think that is the appropriate thing to do…. There may be no organization in our society better positioned than the NBA and its players to try and have an impact on these difficult issues plaguing many of our cities.”
When talking about the players actions during the preseason Adam Silver was right, but there has still been protest during these games. In an unexpected twist there has been two performers that have taken a knee while simultaneously singing the national anthem. One of them, Leah Tysse, posted online saying “Why I took a knee while singing the national anthem at a Sacramento Kings game: This act embodies the conflict many of us feel. I love and honor my country as deeply as anyone yet it is my responsibility as an American to speak up against injustice as it affect my fellow Americans.”
Despite what the preseason has held, it is likely that we will see NBA players taking a knee during the national anthem. But Adam Silver, along with most american citizens, believe it is simply inappropriate and even disrespectful to people who serve and protect us.
