Cleveland Cavaliers player Iman Shumpert announced on Instagram Wednesday that he will not be taking a knee to protest police violence during the national anthem. “I no long (sic) believe taking a knee is the answer,” the shooting guard wrote.
Just last week Shumpert released a rap song vowing to follow 49ers player Colin Kaepernick in protesting during the playing of the anthem by dropping to one knee. Shump has apparently had a change of heart, writing on Instagram that he will instead “donate money and time towards a foundation striding (sic) to improve the struggle between the badge and the citizen.”
“As big as an awareness Kap has raised by taking a knee and the bravery it took for so many to follow I also understand those that fought for that flag have nothing to do with whats going on in our society today and I no long (sic) believe taking a knee is the answer,” he wrote.
He added a picture of his newborn daughter to the Instagram message and cited her as the motivation for wanting to make a difference.
“Take a good look at my daughter Iman Tayla Shumpert Jr.,” he wrote. “The moment she was born was the day I saw the world a lot different. All day I wonder how can I raise her the right way and teach her the right lessons. I can’t explain to her what’s going on these days between the badge and the people. The badge was made to protect us, not scare us.”
According to the NBA player code of conduct, “Players, coaches and trainers are to stand and line up in a dignified posture along the sidelines or on the foul line during the playing of the National Anthem,” so Shumpert and other players who choose to kneel during the anthem could face NBA disciplinary action.
Shumpert is already on thin ice with his employers. His Instagram post comes a month after he was arrested near Atlanta and charged with a DUI after he admitted to an officer that he had smoked marijuana before getting behind the wheel. He faces a possible suspension by the NBA if convicted.
He promised to donate money from each steal he makes to improving relations between police and citizens. “I challenge all sponsors and athletes to match these proceeds to contribute to the cause helping families affected by all the killings leaving families and communities traumatized.”
He then tweeted at Kapernick, “call my phone…let’s make something happen.”
You can see Shumpert’s entire Instagram post on the next page.
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