Sneaker News 
President Donald Trump has chosen to withdraw the invite to the Golden State Warriors, specifically singling out Stephen Curry and his hesitation as a reason for his decision. This, compounded by his unnecessary comments on NFL players, has received a ton of backlash from several notable sports stars including LeBron James. In a tweet, LeBron directly referred to President Trump as a “bum” and reiterated that no invite can be withdrawn since the invite was already declined. LeBron’s tweet as over 650,000 retweets thus far.
According to the Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan has also responded to Trump’s comments with an eloquent statement supporting freedom of speech and silent protest:
“One of the fundamental rights this country is founded on was freedom of speech, and we have a long tradition of nonviolent, peaceful protest. Those who exercise the right to peacefully express themselves should not be demonized or ostracized. At a time of increasing divisiveness and hate in this country, we should be looking for ways to work together and support each other and not create more division. I support Commissioner Adam Silver, the NBA, its players and all those who wish to exercise their right to free speech.”
Michael Jordan is not quite considered an outspoken political activist compared to the likes of Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, or Colin Kaepernick. But it speaks volumes when a man of his stature and legacy is compelled to make a statement supporting the rights of NBA players as well as those in the NFL who have chosen to make a statement by either kneeling or staying in locker rooms during the National Anthem.
