Raptors address Trump comments on Media Day

TORONTO, ON – MAY 30 – Toronto Raptors General manager Masai Ujiri has a season ending press conference at the Biosteel Centre in Toronto on May 30, 2016. (Carlos Osorio/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Donald Trump’s words about football players and the American national anthem were certainly on the minds of the Raptors at media day.

The 2017 Toronto Raptors media day first opened with Masai Ujiri sitting in front of the microphone after a weekend filled with political and social buzz over Donald Tump’s comments in Alabama stating that NFL players should be fired for kneeling during the National Anthem. Monday offered Ujiri his first opportunity to address the media following Trump’s comments. “Nobody is getting fired here” was his response. He followed with “You can quote me on that one, write that”.

Media day progressed with Ujiri responding to comments LeBron James and Steph Curry made when Donald Trump rescinded the usual White House invite to the NBA Champion Golden State Warriors. Ujiri defended the players stating “My reaction is that I like the players reaction, that was my reaction. I liked LeBron’s reaction, I liked Steph Curry’s reaction, I like Kobe’s reaction”.

TORONTO, CANADA – April 18: Head coach, Dwane Casey of the Toronto Raptors speaks to the press after the loss against the Washington Wizards. Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the NBA Playoffs on April 18, 2015 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Why can’t we talk basketball?

As the morning wore on it seemed everyone needed to address Trump’s comments on sports as a platform for protest. Dwane Casey followed Ujiri saying stating “It’s unfortunate that people can even question whether athletes should even have their first amendment right and coming from our president it’s hurtful”. Casey added “That’s what the US was built on, protest. You know I came through the 60s and 70s and it’s eerily gettin’ back to that.”

Casey said he applauded the NFL players and Owners that were protesting and DeMar DeRozan agreed with his Coach. “A lot of NFL players are doing a heck of a job standing up for what they believe in. It’s great seeing all them guys sticking together”. Three time all star Kyle Lowry added “We respect what the NFL did. It’s amazing”.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – AUGUST 2: Kyle Lowry of the Toronto Raptors goes through a work out during the Basketball Without Borders Africa program at the American International School of Johannesburg on August 2, 2017 in Gauteng province of Johannesburg, South Africa. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Masai loves his adopted country

Wrapping up Ujiri illustrated why he’s grateful to live in Toronto during these times. “I think Canada is a blessing. By a blessing I mean I’ve always said there’s something about this place, you know? There’s something about this country”.

Commenting on whether or not the Raptors would attend the President’s invite if they won the NBA Championship Masai added. “I think we’d have to go to two White Houses right? If we win a championship hopefully one day so….I think we’ll be fine with Trudeau.”

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