Amidst the opposition already circling President Donald Trump in office, the sports world seems to be adding to it. After being crowned the 2017 NBA champions, key players of the Golden State Warriors announced their refusal to make the trip to the White House for the traditional congratulations by President Trump. While attending ceremonial events after winning a National Championship at the professional level is regarded as a high honor, players on the Warriors intend to use the invitation refusal to fuel protest and conversation about Trump’s actions during his short time in office.
Stephen Curry, star player and long time Warriors member, was one of the first on the team to voice his opinions. His strong feelings on the visit to D.C. sparked controversy through the media, other teammates and players around the league, and Trump himself. After Curry clearly stated his strong distaste for some of “the things he’s said and the things he hasn’t said at the right times”, President Trump was quick to revoke the invitation for Curry. With the entire squad ultimately deciding not to go, the players hope to make a strong statement about their beliefs.
Rather than making the trip to D.C. to meet with Trump, the organization looks to still make their way out to the nation’s capital to “celebrate equality, diversity, and inclusion”: three areas of importance that the team mentioned to the media. The Warriors, who have won two of the past three NBA championships, hope to inspire other high-caliber teams with the same beliefs to use their platforms and publicity to voice and evoke change as well.
