A report from TMZ over the weekend made it seem as though Kings guard Ben McLemore was unsupportive of NFL players kneeling for the national anthem. However, according to James Ham of NBC Sports Bay Area, McLemore says his words were taken out of context.
McLemore was asked how he felt about ESPN not airing the national anthem on Monday Night Football this year. He responded that it’s important to represent the United States and that the NFL players’ message may be getting lost.
This morning, McLemore released a statement clarifying that although he believes in standing for the anthem, he does not believe that players who take a knee are disrespecting the United States.
McLemore, 25, was acquiring by the Kings this summer in a trade that saw Garrett Temple sent to the Grizzlies. Looking to turn his career around after being drafted No. 7 overall in 2013, it’s unlikely that he was too excited about such negative media attention this offseason.
How dare he! But really, why is this news?
What an article.. so entertaining
He’s a tuchus
Why is he being interviewed is the question
Why is TMZ even interviewing Ben Mclemore? How’d they even recognize him?
That’s a ding
Why are players chastised for saying they don’t agree with the act anyway? No one is saying they don’t agree that equality is very important and should always be the goal. Why is it not ok for someone to look at the national anthem as a song giving thanks to those who have lost their lives for our freedom?
The NBA and WNBA players are wearing the message on warm up jerseys. Owners in the NBA and NFL are contributing (the NFL owners are matching the players contributions). Why can’t the NFL follow the NBA and WNBA. We talk about the problems in the middle east. We have them here too.
Good that he retracted, I do agree with the players who kneel, they have the right to express themselves freely, right?
To a degree. Michael Smith and Jamele Hill are no longer on Sports Center because Hill was expressing views that didn’t represent the views of ESPN.
And when you are arrested, aren’t you given the right to remain silent?
We’ll see what happens with Colin Kaeppernick!
And Eric Reid. There are few protestors left because they see what is happening to them.
Eventually when people start ignoring the protestors in the NFL, we can go back and respect the flag and anthem for what it’s meant to be for. Guys like John McCain.