It was no surprise to anyone when the Bucks and Magic took a knee during the national anthem on Friday. With all that has been going on in the world, NBA players often feel like it’s their duty to stand for social justice and racial equality. Though controversial, taking a knee and wearing BLM shirts are their way of drawing attention to the cause.
But as the players did their thing, Jonathan Isaac remained standing, and subsequently became the only player of the two teams to not take part in the protests. He also chose not to don a “Black Lives Matter” shirt.
For those without League Pass, Nets and Magic players and coaches kneeling for the anthem except Jonathan Isaac to the right of the photo. pic.twitter.com/iTgCB9HrpF
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) July 31, 2020
When asked about his decision, Isaac cited his faith for the answer.
Magic forward Johnathan Isaac’s opening quotes pic.twitter.com/C5VL195NUc
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 31, 2020
To Isaac, it seems that, while he believes in the meaning of the cause, he doesn’t agree that it’s the right way to respond. He wants folk to spot pointing fingers and come together. He didn’t take a knee or wear a shirt because he wants to draw people to the gospel, not to the BLM movement.
It’s obviously a controversial stance and he’s gotten plenty of heat for it. But, as expected, the team made sure to let people know they have his back.
https://twitter.com/OPPMagicBlog/status/1289309040929980416
“That’s his choice and he doesn’t need to (explain),” Magic guard Evan Fournier, while wearing a BLM t-shirt, about Jonathan Isaac’s decision not to wear the BLM t-shirt and kneel.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 31, 2020
No matter your opinion on kneeling during the anthem, you shouldn’t hold it against Isaac for making the decision he feels was right. Charles Barkley sure doesn’t.
Charles Barkley on anthem kneeling "If people don't kneel they're not a bad person" pic.twitter.com/qeZfjHTUZ4
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) July 30, 2020
Fans flooded the comments with their own opinions on the matter.
https://twitter.com/Ronald_Rasp/status/1289271586650877952https://twitter.com/DaVonTooMuch_/status/1288974964138205185https://twitter.com/lacrossebabe/status/1288979427385323520
His standing during the anthem did not infringe upon the rights of those who did kneel. This is not controversial.
— Thomas F.X. Sullivan (@IrishHoodlum) July 31, 2020
https://twitter.com/Pop_Wasabi/status/1288977390757060610
Obviously, this is an issue that will hang over the league, and the world, for months and maybe even years to come. In this time of civil unrest, there are no shortage of people who want to make their voices heard.
But now, more than ever, it’s important to remember that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, so long as it doesn’t infringe on another.
