The Cleveland Cavaliers linked arms during the national anthem in their Tuesday night game against the Boston Celtics as a sign of solidarity with their teammates tipping off the NBA’s new season.
In the wake of NFL protests during the national anthem, the NBA issued a memo to all 30 teams reminding them that all NBA players must stand for the national anthem last month. Coaches and players were advised to make statements about diversity and equality prior to the national anthem or post a video.
The Cavs link arms during the national anthem before tonight’s season opener vs. the Celtics pic.twitter.com/VY6wFzE4CP
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 18, 2017
Although some speculated that NBA star LeBron James would stage some sort of protest at the game Tuesday night.ron James would stage some sort of protest at the game Tuesday night, he chose instead to enter the court clad in his Nike’s with the word “Equality” stitched on the back heels.
The “Equality” shoes were part of a Nike campaign in February to commemorate Black History Month.
LeBron’s #NBAKicks! pic.twitter.com/hSkH4rVZgy
— NBA (@NBA) October 17, 2017
Originally led by NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, a number of players took a knee starting last season during the national anthem to protest the treatment of African American and minorities in the U.S. and police brutality.
The protests have continued into this season, ignited largely by President Trump saying last month that football players who take a knee during the national anthem should be fired.
James has made his disapproval for Trump well known. The same weekend Trump began railing against NFL players who knelt during the national anthem, Trump also rescinded NBA star Steph Curry’s invitation to the White House.
In response, James said it was no longer an honor to visit the White House with Trump in office.
“U bum @stephencurry30 already said he ain’t going! So therefore ain’t no invite,” James tweeted last month. “Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!”
