Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson will not shut up and dribble.
Clarkson was asked Sunday about the various ways in which sports, politics, and societal issues interact, and about those who argue in favor of “keeping politics out of sports”. His response? “Everybody who’s saying shut up and dribble, maybe they should shut up and go look in the mirror,” according to Eric Walden of the Salt Laker Tribune.
Clarkson, of course, is referencing those who echo the sentiments of Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham, who infamously told Clarkson's former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate, LeBron James and Kevin Durant, to “shut up and dribble” rather than advocating for social and/or political reform.
Clarkson also told Walden that he momentarily considered abstaining from the league's restart plan in Orlando for reasons concerning both the Black Lives Matter movement and fear of injury affecting his impending free agency. Ultimately, he said he feels safe enough in the bubble and has “been bored sitting at home.” He did acknowledge that the timing of the NBA's return could distract from the Black Lives Matter movement, and that “it isn't the ideal situation for us to go play right now.” Still, he's optimistic that the various agendas brought forward via the restart will help everybody “get the message.”
In terms of basketball, Clarkson is confident that the Jazz will shake off the rust fairly quickly and find their groove in the bubble. “When I got traded here, I just flew in and put on a jersey and played, so the chemistry just worked as soon as I landed.”
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