The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Los Angeles, United States | AFP | President Donald Trump has triggered a furious backlash across the US professional sports world after branding NFL players “sons of bitches” for protesting the national anthem and withdrawing a White House invitation to NBA champion Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors.
AFP Sport looks at who’s saying what as the controversy simmers:
“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now, out, he’s fired. He’s fired!'” — Trump unloads on NFL activists on Friday.
“Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team. Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is withdrawn!” — Trump says Golden State star Curry has invitation withdrawn.
Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team.Stephen Curry is hesitating,therefore invitation is withdrawn!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
“U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain’t going! So therefore ain’t no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!” — Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James rallies to Curry’s defence.
U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain’t going! So therefore ain’t no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017
“Golden State players are champions and men of principle who give back to their community. #respect.” — basketball legend Earvin Magic Johnson.
“With everything that’s going on in our country, why are YOU focused on who’s kneeling and visiting the White House??? #StayInYoLane.” — Houston Rockets star Chris Paul has a question for Trump.
“A #POTUS whose name alone creates division and anger. Whose words inspire dissension and hatred can’t possibly “Make America Great Again.” — Retired Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
A #POTUS whose name alone creates division and anger. Whose words inspire dissension and hatred can’t possibly “Make America Great Again”
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) September 23, 2017
“The behavior of the President is unacceptable and needs to be addressed. If you do not Condemn this divisive Rhetoric you are Condoning it!!” — Seattle Seahawks defensive star Richard Sherman.
“Still wondering how this guy is running our country.” — Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green.
“The comments were a slap in the face to the civil rights heroes of the past and present, soldiers who have spilled blood in countless wars to uphold the values of this great nation and American people of all races, ethnicities, genders and sexual orientations.” — NFL Players Association president Eric Winston on Trump’s NFL remarks.
“It’s a shame and disgrace when you have the President of the US calling citizens of the country sons of a bitches.” — Minnesota Vikings running back Bishop Sankey wrote on Twitter.
It’s a shame and disgrace when you have the President of the US calling citizens of the country sons of a bitches.
— Bishop Sankey (@BishopSankey) September 23, 2017
