San Francisco Bay Area Athletes Address Administration Racism

On Wednesday, Stephan “Steph” Curry of the Golden State Warriors responded to Under Armour's CEO Kevin Plank's statement that President Trump being pro-business “is a real asset to our country.” Curry, who wears Under Armour shoes and has a lucrative endorsement deal with the company, felt it was time to take a stand. In an interview with the Bay Area News Group, he said “I agree with that description...if you remove the e-t from asset.” After this statement, Curry proclaimed, “there is no amount of money, there is no platform I wouldn't jump off if it wasn't in line with who I am.”

Warrior's head coach Steve Kerr supported his player's statement saying, “Our players are grown men. They have a microphone in front of them every day. They're welcome to say whatever they want. I'm proud of them...this is a time when activism is in the forefront, all over the map.”

Curry, an African-American who plays in Oakland where there is a large African-American population, is now speaking out about Trump for the first time. Concerns about racism on the part of Trump and his administration are numerous. Curry, probably the most popular star in the NBA, has the notoriety to make a difference.  He is one of many professional athletes taking a stand and making their feelings known about Trump's presidency and the current administration.

NBA teams including the Dallas Mavericks, Chicago Bulls, and Memphis Grizzlies have stopped staying in Trump hotels in Chicago and New York. LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers has issued a statement opposing Trump's immigration ban.

NFL players have also started speaking out against Trump- particularly in connection with Super Bowl LI, which was the most political Super Bowl in decades. Three New England Patriots players, Martellus Bennett, Devin McCourty and Dont'a Hightower stated that they won't join their teammates for the traditional champions' visit to the White House. Trump has also been known to criticize Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers, who has raised a fist and refused to stand during the playing of the national-anthem.

For more information, please see:

1. San Francisco Chronicle: Stephen Curry might have spelled an end to his time on political sideline
2. Mercury News: Exclusive: Stephen Curry responds to Trump-praising Under Armour boss. Surprised, the Warriors star got an explanation directly from Kevin Plank, stands by his shoe company