HOUSTON – Several Rockets basketball players used Monday's media day to speak out regarding President Donald Trump's attacks on athletes who choose to take a knee in protest of police brutality and racial inequality.
At a campaign rally for a senate candidate in Alabama on Friday, the president said, "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when someone disrespects our flag to say, 'Get that son of a b**** off the field out right now! He's fired! He's fired!'"
The president also tweeted that he was uninviting the NBA Champion Golden State Warriors after star player Stephen Curry said he wouldn't attend the traditional White House visit.
Saturday morning, Rockets guard Chris Paul tweeted:
"With everything that's going on in our country, why are YOU focused on who's kneeling and visiting the White House??? #StayInYoLane"
Adding:
"And I doubt he's man enough to call any of those players a son of a b**** to their face..."
In his first Media Day as a Houston Rocket on Monday, Paul stood by his remarks.
"I said what I said."
Paul also explained what led him to respond to the president's comments.
"You're supposed to be our leader my kids shouldn't have to look at television seeing the leader saying the things that he was saying," he said.
Here is what other Rockets players said about the controversy.
James Harden: "I don't think it was fair what he said. Each and every individual person has their belief freedom of speech; people can stand up for their rights."
Trevor Ariza: "For him to bash somebody or belittle somebody for doing what they believe is right is just an unfortunate situation."
Ryan Anderson: "I don't feel like I should speak out because I don't have that time and effort. That's not my life; my life is putting a basketball into a hoop."
Paul is also president of the National Basketball Players Association. He hinted that there could be a leaguewide action when the season starts, but that no discussions have yet taken place.
Head coach Mike D'antoni said he would support whatever the players decide to do.
