Warriors, Cavs unified with Eagles against Trump: Will be nice to ‘get back to normal…in three years'

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CLEVELAND -- As the polarization of America intensifies behind the pugnacious conduct and inflammatory rhetoric of Donald Trump, much of the sports world continues to stand its ground and, in some cases, call out the president.

On eve of Game 3 of the NBA Finals here Tuesday, one day after Trump disinvited the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, members of the Warriors and Cavaliers addressed the growing gulf between the socially conscious athlete and the current occupant of the White House.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr was particularly vocal, saying that he would support his players if they decided to protest social injustice during the national anthem.

“Yeah, of course,” Kerr said. “Because you have to understand that what players have protested is not the military. They're protesting police brutality and racial inequality. So if any American wants to protest that anytime, that's their right as Americans. That's what the military fights for, is free speech. So I would be perfectly fine with any of our players doing so.”

Kerr, referring to the spat between Trump and the Eagles, also distilled the American sociopolitical climate to its essence.

“It’s not surprising,” Kerr said. “The president has made it pretty clear he’s going to try to divide us, all of us, in this country, for political gain.

“So it’s just the way it is. And we all look forward to the day when we can go back to having a celebration of athletic achievement and celebrate Americans for their achievements, their good deeds.

“The irony is that the Eagles have been nothing but fantastic citizens in their own community,” Kerr added. “They've done so much good. I've read a lot about their team. Malcolm Jenkins, Chris Long -- these guys are studs. They're amazing."

Acutely aware of Trump’s policies, critiques of black athletes and ties to white nationalism, Stephen Curry and the Warriors decided last September that they would not embrace an invitation to celebrate their 2017 title in the White House.

Nothing has changed. If anything, the resistance movement is becoming more influential in sports. Curry reaffirmed his stance, while Cavaliers star LeBron James spoke for both teams.

“I know no matter who wins this series,” he said, “no one wants the invite anyway. So it won't be Golden State or Cleveland going.”

Said Curry: “I agree with LeBron. Pretty sure the way we handled things last year, kind of stay consistent with that. But at the end of the day . . . every team has an opportunity to make a decision for themselves and speak for themselves. I think that's powerful, being in this situation.”

NBA champs began visiting in 1963, with NFL teams in the late 1970s. By the 1980s, under President Ronald Reagan, all teams were coming to celebrate with the president.

The general consensus is there will come a time when championship teams once again routinely visit the White House.

“So it will be nice when we can just get back to normal,” Kerr said. “In three years.”

Game Result/Schedule
Game 1 Warriors 124, Cavs 114 (OT)
Game 2 Warriors 122, Cavs 103
Game 3 Cleveland -- Wednesday, June 6 at 6pm
Game 4 Cleveland -- Friday, June 8 at 6pm
Game 5 Oakland -- Monday, June 11 at 6pm
Game 6 Cleveland -- Thursday, June 14 at 6pm
Game 7 Oakland -- Sunday, June 17 at 5pm
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