Kevin Durant is assam video call sexthe latest public figure speaking out against Donald Trump.
In an interview with ESPN's Chris Haynes, the NBA finals MVP explained his qualms with the current president, and why he wouldn't be making a stop at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave this year to celebrate the Golden State Warriors championship.
SEE ALSO: A giant inflatable 'Trump Rat' has invaded Manhattan"Nah, I won't do that," Durant told Haynes. "I don't respect who's in office right now."
"I don't agree with what he agrees with, so my voice is going to be heard by not doing that," Durant continued, explaining that this was not necessarily a team decision to continue the storied tradition of celebrating victory at the White House with the president. "That's just me personally, but if I know my guys well enough, they'll all agree with me."
"I'm representing a lot of people," Durant said to ESPN. "As far as what's going on in our country, for one, as an athlete, you have to commend Colin Kaepernick, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, CP3 [and] Dwyane Wade for starting that conversation last year. Russell Westbrook also said something in his speech. A lot [of] guys with platforms have drove the conversation in a good direction. And what's going on in Charlottesville, that was unfathomable."
Durant won't be the first athlete to refuse to be affiliated with the Trump administration. Several NFL players from the Patriots similarly refused a trip to the White House after winning the Super Bowl championships in 2017. Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers avoided staying at a Trump Hotel in New York along with other teammates.
Durant also discussed the need for more people with platforms to condemn and call out injustices, as well as set an example for youth.
"For us to move forward, we need more athletes and people of power and influence to come out and speak," Durant explained. "It's great to see a lot of athletes coming together and trying to direct a positive path for a lot of kids and a lot of people in this country who look up to us."
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