It's no secret that the country's political climate is volatile right now. Athletes are taking political stances and many are being targeted by politicians for the things they say and do. This was evident when the White House disinvited the Golden State Warriors from the traditional White House visit championship teams make.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver spoke with CJ McCollum and The Players' Tribune to discuss the disinvitation from the White House.

“I'll begin by saying I'm really of all of these members of the NBA community, who are speaking out on issues that are important to them. In terms of the White House invitation, I was saddened by it. We have a very divided country right now, and I'd only say I look back to sports to see how we can do even more to build bridges. I've talked to many players about this, and it's important, I think, that they feel comfortable and safe, frankly, in their jobs, knowing that that type of political expression is encouraged. When you look back in the history of this league, it's part of the DNA.”

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The difference between the NBA and other leagues, specifically the NFL, is it's clear that the NBA is much more focused on supporting the efforts of the players to enact social change. Meanwhile, the NFL is constantly shooting itself in the foot in regards to the social justice protests that are consistently mischaracterized.

Silver and the NBA encourages their players to make positive changes to the world. It's something other professional sports leagues can learn a thing or two from.