Curry says focus on message not messenger for protests
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry said that he hopes people will focus on the message more instead of the messenger in regards to athletes raising awareness on social issues.
At Warriors media day, Curry was asked his opinion on how this is growing throughout the sports world.
"I respect everybody’s voice, everybody’s platform, and their opportunity and right to protest what they feel in their heart is something they want changed. I’ve said that plenty of times about Colin. I respect what he’s doing. I respect the message that he’s fighting for, and I hope all the spotlight is on that particular message and the things we can do to make changes that are blatantly obvious we need change, so I hope going forward it’s not about who’s raising their fist, who’s kneeling, who’s standing, who’s doing this or that. It’s about what Colin and other guys – what the message is, and what we don’t want to stand for any more."
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He added that rioting is not the answer, noting what happened in North Carolina.
"About Charlotte, it’s another experience and opportunity for people to use their voice," he said. "(But) you don’t want it to ever be violent. I mean the first night in Charlotte, it turned that way, and it was tough to see. Growing up in that city, I know that’s not what we’re about, who we are as Charlotteans. You don’t want to ever be in that negative spotlight. But as it went forward, everything was very constructive and productive and I think it made a huge turn for the greater good, again taking a stand and doing what you can to make your voice be heard. You obviously pray for Keith Lamont Scott’s family, and the officer’s family – there’s plenty of people who are going through a very tough, tough situation. "
As far as Colin Kaepernick, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback who has made news for not standing during the national anthem because he wants to raise awareness about police brutality against unarmed black men, Curry said they don't have any kind of relationship, but the two have met.
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He said he respects what Kaepernick is doing, even it he doesn't do the same thing.
"I plan on standing (for the anthem). But like I said, there are ways that everybody can affect the mindset of people around them, the awareness of what’s going on without, in that moment with the national anthem playing, kneeling," he said. "I’ve always said I respect Colin. He took a bold step to continue the conversation and make it more poignant, (but) I do plan on standing."