Orlando Magic Forward, Jonathan Isaac became the first NBA player who chose to stand for the National Anthem. He also didn't wear the 'Black Lives Matter' shirt for warm-ups.
Isaac stated he believes in the Black Lives Matter movement but also said “kneeling and wearing a t-shirt don’t go hand in hand with black lives.”
Racism isn’t only thing that plagues our society the Magic player said, and that the answer is the gospel. Isaac told the press he doesn’t see kneeling and putting a t-shirt as an answer but “black lives and all lives are supported through the gospel.”
I asked Jonathan Isaac two questions:
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) July 31, 2020
You didn’t kneel during the anthem but you also didn’t wear a black lives matter shirt. Do you believe black lives matter?
Can you explain what religion has to do with kneeling for the anthem to protest against racism and police brutality? pic.twitter.com/me61FleWPY
Magic Center, Nikola Vucevic addressed the situation, and said the team respected his personal decisions, aswell as the coach, Steve Clifford.
“He had his personal reasons for deciding to stand. We respect his decision and we know where he stands.”
"I support him, his teammates support him, the organization supports him, so that's part of living in our country," Steve Clifford.
— FOX Sports Magic (@FOXSportsMagic) July 31, 2020
Coach spoke about Jonathan Isaac's decision to stand during the national anthem and the need for his team to compete next time out. #NBA pic.twitter.com/ny7OgOE7K1
Isaac, who suffered a hyperextended left knee back in January, returned to compete in the season restart at the Walt Disney World Resort.