In a lot of ways, Colin Kaepernick has directed attention away from Kevin Durant. Before Kaepernick’s National Anthem protest, the popular question in the sports world regarded personal feelings about Durant joining the Warriors.

Now an even bigger audience is commenting on Kaepernick’s tactics to draw awareness to the government’s treatment of people of color in this country.

Strong sentiment on both sides of the argument have been expressed, and key players on the Warriors have voiced their support of Kaepernick.

Stephen Curry was the first to lend his support to Kaepernick, and Durant has added to the praise of the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback.

Durant doesn’t directly say that he supports the message that Kaepernick is conveying, instead choosing to focus on the freedom of expression that Kaepernick is displaying.

Durant says that he stands behind any player that is willing to put themselves out there, although that sounds like a dubious claim.

I applaud Durant for supporting what Kaepernick is doing, but saying that he’d support any player willing to take a stand for what they believe just isn’t realistic.

There’s a big difference between toleration and support. Durant probably should’ve said he’d tolerate any player’s right to make a statement, because why would Durant support a player making a repulsive stance?

Players weren’t lining up to support the statements that Donald Sterling made a few years ago because they were awful, racist statements.

It’s misleading for Durant to say that he stands behind anyone willing to attach themselves to a cause, because not all causes are virtuous.

If a player came out in support of racial segregation tomorrow, would Durant stand behind that player the same way he’s claiming to do for Kaepernick? Of course not, because it’s not a virtuous cause.

Warriors World

Kevin Durant Supports the Stance of Colin Kaepernick

Local Media

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National Media

The Comeback: Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are the Players With the Most to Lose

CBS Sports: Kevin Durant Says He’s Cool With Russell Westbrook