Jabari Parker has been one of the most vocal NBA stars to voice his opinion on President-elect Donald Trump.
The Milwaukee Bucks star shared his thoughts on his reaction and the consequences this election has posed for him and his surroundings.
“I’m worried about my safety and that of a lot of people,” Parker told Nubyjas Wilborn of the Sporting News. “There are a lot of threats on athletes and regular citizens. We’ve already seen an increase in hate crimes and it’s barely been a week.
“His election made people feel like it’s cool to be openly and violently racist. I’ve gotten threats and so have others I know. I have to be more aware of my surroundings. I really feel bad for people who don’t have as many ways to protect themselves as I do.”
The Bucks have been one of a few teams that's declared a complete disassociation with the President-elect by choosing not to stay on any Trump hotels from here on forward.
“I’m proud to not stay in Trump hotels,” Parker said. “I don’t support someone who endorses hate on other people. He ran his campaign on hate. He’s attacked everything that I am and believe. I was named by a Muslim man. My mother didn’t get her citizenship until much later in life. She is basically an immigrant because she came from Tonga. She was paid less because she was a woman.
“I'm black, and he's said some controversial stuff about black people. When it comes to me not supporting Donald Trump, it's correlated to the things he has said. I have a gay uncle. All the things he said in his campaign are things I can’t associate myself with.”
When asked if he could take something away from this election, the soft-spoken Parker provided a sentiment much of his NBA family has echoed in the past weeks.
“Yes, it will make us respect the Obama family even more,” he said. “He handled everything so well. He was a great leader. Michelle is the epitome of class and grace. Barack was so calm and cool. He was great at leading our country. His daughters were great. Obama is special and we're going to realize even more so now.”
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