Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert rapped he’d kneel for the national anthem, following Colin Kaepernick’s lead in protesting police brutality against blacks in America.
But – as the NBA and players union discuss how to handle expected anthem demonstrations – Shumpert has changed his tune.
Shumpert on Instagram (hat tip: Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com):
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Kaepernick has repeatedly said his protest is not directed at the military. In fact, he has frequently praised military members for protecting his rights, including free speech.
But the anthem means different things to different people, and if Shumpert wants to stand, good for him. His response to the problems facing this country needn’t match Kaepernick’s.
Donating to causes promoting better relations between the police and the community, something Kaepernick is also doing, is an excellent course.