Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon talked about the possibility of kneeling before the national anthem once the 2019-20 NBA regular season resumes on July 30.
Per Lakers reporter Tania Ganguli, the 24-year-old athletic marvel openly discussed why the controversial gesture could be deemed as the strongest message to denounce racial injustice.
Aaron Gordon said the team will talk about kneeling before the national anthem and see if that is the gesture that will speak the loudest. I asked what message he hoped it would convey, if they did that. He said this: pic.twitter.com/KgQcWU6Gea
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) July 24, 2020
Kneeling while the “Star-Spangled Banner” plays in the background is nothing new in professional sports, as former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick did the same thing as a form of activism against police brutality and social injustice.
Colin received major flak for decision and remains unsigned among NFL teams despite being a proven and tested player at his position.
Aaron Gordon and the rest of his teammates, meanwhile, will surely be the talk of the town if they decide to push through with this decision. The Magic, after all, is informally considered as the host team since the bubble is located at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, on the other hand, already addressed the possibility of NBA players kneeling during the national anthem.
Back in June, Silver made it clear that the league has protocols for players to stand in line before games. However, he also understands the significance of activism and will deal with the matter when it presents itself.
The Star Bangled Banner and O Canada (when the Raptors play) will be played ahead of games in Orlando, a source will knowledge confirmed to ESPN. At the Time 100 summit, Adam Silver was asked about kneeling. Here is what he said, in part: pic.twitter.com/DcutTrIwmU
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) June 30, 2020
While Gordon's initiative will no doubt send a strong message outside basketball, he must not let the possible backslash affect his performance in Orlando. He normed 14.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 58 games before the hiatus.
The Magic (30-35) are currently hanging on the 8th and final playoff slot in the Eastern Conference. The 9th-seeded Washington Wizards (24-30) are creeping in and will look to take over Orlando's spot.
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