Kaepernick's Protest Center Stage At Warriors Media Day
OAKLAND (CBS SF) – It was a question every member of the Golden State Warriors seemed prepared for at Monday's annual media day.
How would they handle the national anthem?
Would they join in the protest begun down the road at the San Francisco 49ers camp by quarterback Colin Kaepernick or would they choose some other way to push for social change?
"I plan on standing," Curry told reporters about his plans for Saturday's preseason opener against Toronto.
"There are ways that everybody can affect the mindset of people around them and the awareness of what going on without kneeling in that moment when the National Anthem is playing … I always have said I respect Colin because he took a bold step in that regard to start the conversation."
Veteran free agent David West said the team would talk about the anthem, but any decision is up to the individual player.
"I think we'll have some team discussion," he told reporters. "Obviously, protest is based on your personal convictions. So guys shouldn't feel forced or obligated to do it."
Draymond Green said now that Kaepernick has started the conversation with his protest, what's the next step.
"I respect Colin for it because he took a stand that he knew would create some controversy," Green said. "Sometime controversy is what is needed to get a point across. My question is what's next…Am I going to kneel down or put my fist in the air? No I'm not and that's no disrespect for Colin or what anyone else has done. "
Klay Thompson would not say what he planned to do, but said his experience with the Olympics has influenced his thoughts.
"What Colin is doing is amazing because he's backing it up and not just going out there seeking the spotlight," Thompson said. "He's really trying to make a change."
"This is a great country, but obviously there's a lot of things going on right now that are disheartening… After playing with Team USA and being around the military…When you are standing for the flag that means a lot… I'm not sure what I'm going to do, I do enjoy standing for the flag…Going to Brazil was eye opening."
The newest addition to the Warriors – Kevin Durant – also did not disclose whether he'd be standing or not for the anthem Saturday night.
He did say he was "proud" of Kaepernick.
"Him starting the conversation about injustice was the whole goal in the first place," he said. "There's a lot about how he's doing it … I think we're moving forward…I'm very proud of him."