Russell Westbrook addressed questions regarding his feelings on the recent spat of police shootings that have stirred the nation, on Friday, September 23. The topic was raised by reporters at an OKC press conference, prompting him to admit that he has felt personally touched by the tragic developments. While he did not specify whether or not he plans on staging a demonstration in the likeness of Colin Kaepernick's protest of the National Anthem, he confirmed that he is inspired to be vocal on the issue, as a matter that must be confronted.
"I think for me personally, me growing up in the inner city and being able to see different things on a night-in and day-in, day-out basis, that hit home for me," he said, before going on to note that he is thankful the recordings are bringing exposure to a reality that is otherwise overlooked. "I think it's getting to a point where obviously there's something that needs to be changed on that aspect, and you know, I'm going to use my voice as much as possible being able to relay that message," he said.
Westbrook was one of dozens of athletes, entertainers, and spiritual and political leaders to express outrage via social media after footage from the Terence Crutcher shooting was released earlier in the week. Many of his peers in the NBA, including Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, and Rajon Rondo, also spoke out, which could very well have been the deciding factor in the league's owners and players union coming together to meet about how to accommodate a possible protest movement once the season kicks off. The tone coming from the administrative ranks of franchises which have an obliged question of possible protests has been cordial. Thunder general manager, Sam Presti, reacted to Westbrook's statement in a manner which has seemed typical, stating, "Our viewpoint on it is obviously we've had players and staff stand for the national anthem over the past eight years. We'd love to see that continue. At the same time, our players have the opportunity and ability to express themselves as people, and we respect that above all."
Westbrook further expounded on his position in a chat with ESPN's Royce Young, following the press conference. "I think a lot of people don't realize the families of all these young men, their mothers, their brothers, sisters, uncles, aunts, I think it's very important that we understand how important the families feel about the situations," he said. "And me being an African-American athlete and having a voice, I think it's important that I make a stand and know that something has to change. I think I don't have an answer. Obviously, nobody has an answer -- if that's the case, it would have been solved -- but I think it's important that we figure out what we can do to help improve what's going on."
Source: youtube.com
