The NBA star says the US president should set a better example instead of calling for NFL players to be sacked
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In the United States, the row over ‘taking a knee’ during the national anthem has taken another twist.
The Dallas Cowboys and their owner Jerry Jones decided to demonstrate by staging a pre-game “moment of unity” ahead of the star spangled banner.
Prior to the National Anthem, the
DallasCowboys</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/AZCardinals">AZCardinals shared a moment of unity on the field. pic.twitter.com/RSWQwHTyeD— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2017
The protest, originally to highlight racial inequality, caused a storm after Donald Trump called for players who take part to be sacked or suspended.
The NFL has all sorts of rules and regulations. The only way out for them is to set a rule that you can’t kneel during our National Anthem!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 26, 2017
NBA basketball star LeBron James has also waded into the debate by praising the NFL players who protested against Donald Trump. He’s accused the US president of “using sports to try and divide” people. “He doesn’t understand the power that he has for being the leader of this beautiful country. He doesn’t understand how many kids, no matter their race, look up, look up to the president of the United States for guidance, for leadership, for words of encouragement. He doesn’t understand that,” said James.
Trump has also withdrawn a White House invitation to the Golden State Warriors to mark their NBA title after Steph Curry said he did not want to attend.