Charles Barkley Defends Players Who Decide Not To Kneel During The National Anthem: They’re Not A Bad Person

Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley Defends Players Who Decide Not To Kneel During The National Anthem: They’re Not A Bad Person

Former NBA player Charles Barkley recently shared his own thoughts on professional athletes taking a knee during the national anthem. The NBA had its official restart on Thursday, July 30th with a game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz. As a rendition of the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ played prior to the game starting all players from both teams, the coaching staff, and referees took a knee together.

Following this historic moment, Charles Barkley weighed in during the ‘Inside the NBA’ pregame show. The NBA star turned sportscaster said, 

“The thing is, the national anthem means different things to different people. I’m glad these guys are all unified, but if people don’t kneel, they’re not a bad person. I want to make that perfectly clear.”

He continued:

“I’m glad they had unity, but if we have a guy that doesn’t want to kneel or the anthem means something to him, he should not be vilified.”

Charles Barkley on anthem kneeling "If people don't kneel they're not a bad person" pic.twitter.com/qeZfjHTUZ4

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The NBA has had a rule since the 1980s that require players to stand for the national anthem. However, Adam Silver, who is the NBA Commissioner, has stated that he’s okay with players peacefully protesting. 

“I respect our teams’ unified act of peaceful protest for social justice and under these unique circumstances will not enforce our long-standing rule requiring standing during the playing of our national anthem.” 

The NCAA is another sports organization that seems to be allowing their players room to peacefully protest as well. Recently they announced that college athletes will now be allowed to wear patches on their uniforms to show support for social justice issues.

What are your thoughts on what Charles Barkley had to say about players who don’t take a knee? Let us know in the comments.