Miami Heat big man Meyers Leonard was the only player in the Heat–Denver Nuggets game to stand during the national anthem.
While wearing a Black Lives Matter shirt, Leonard had his right hand on his chest and his left hand on a teammate's shoulder.
In an interview with Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press, Leonard opened up about his decision to stand during the anthem, adding that he dealt with anxiety and sleeplessness for several days as he agonized over the decision.
“Some of the conversations I’ve had over the past three days, quite literally, have been the most difficult,” Meyers Leonard told The Associated Press. “I am with the Black Lives Matter movement and I love and support the military and my brother and the people who have fought to defend our rights in this country.
“I am a compassionate human being and I truly love all people. I can’t fully comprehend how our world, literally and figuratively, has turned into Black and white. There’s a line in the sand, so to speak: ‘If you’re not kneeling, you’re not with us.’ And that’s not true. I will continue to use my platform, my voice and my actions to show how much I care about the African American culture and for everyone. I live my life to serve and impact others in a positive way.”
Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac stood for the national anthem before his team’s game on Friday and opted not to wear the Black Lives Matter shirt.
The Heat wound up defeating the Nuggets by a final score of 125-105. Leonard did not play, as Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra didn't sub Leonard into the game.
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