Golden State Warriors to Skip White House Visit; LeBron James to Trump: ‘U Bum’
The Golden State Warriors have decided to skip the traditional championship visit to the White House following Donald Trump’s criticism of Warriors star Steph Curry.
“President Trump has made it clear we’re not invited,” the team said in a statement.
Instead, the team will travel to Washington D.C. in February as an opportunity “to celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion.”
Earlier on Saturday, the 45th President blasted Curry over his remarks saying he didn’t want to visit the White House amid growing tensions in the country.
“By acting and not going, hopefully that will inspire some change when it comes to what we tolerate in this country and what is accepted and what we turn a blind eye to,” Curry said.
Trump quickly took to Twitter on Saturday in response: “Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team.Stephen Curry is hesitating,therefore invitation is withdrawn!”
Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team.Stephen Curry is hesitating,therefore invitation is withdrawn!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 23, 2017
A few hours after Trump rescinded his invitation to Curry and the Warriors, the NBA’s most recognizable star, LeBron James, rushed to Curry’s defense.
“U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain’t going! So therefore ain’t no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!” James wrote.
U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017
Statement from the Golden State Warriors: pic.twitter.com/6kk6ofdu9X
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) September 23, 2017
It was the second time in less than 24 hours Trump ridiculed some of the nation’s top athletes. At a rally Friday in Alabama, the President had some harsh words for NFL stars like Colin Kaepernick who have protested the national anthem over police brutality.
“Wouldn’t you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say: ‘Get that son of a b—- off the field right now, out. He’s fired. He’s fired!’ ” Trump told the crowd.
To which NFL commissioner Roger Goodell responded in a statement: “Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players, and a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities.”
NBA stars Chris Paul and former Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant were among the athletes speaking out against Trump’s harsh words on Saturday.
With everything that's going on in our country, why are YOU focused on who's kneeling and visiting the White House??? #StayInYoLane
— Chris Paul (@CP3) September 23, 2017
And I doubt he's man enough to call any of those players a son of a bitch to their face…
— Chris Paul (@CP3) September 23, 2017
A #POTUS whose name alone creates division and anger. Whose words inspire dissension and hatred can't possibly "Make America Great Again"
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) September 23, 2017
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