PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 06: Danilo Gallinari #8, Chris Paul #3, head coach Billy Donovan, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2, Dennis Schroder #17, and Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder look on against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on January 6, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
A state representative in Oklahoma has issued a warning against members of the Thunder kneeling for the National Anthem.
As we’ve seen this year, multiple teams have had players kneeling during the National Anthem. Their protest of police brutality has been a trend that we’ve seen grow over the last few years, since former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began his protests. However one state representative has taken issue with the practice, and has handed down a warning to members of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Rep. Sean Roberts (R-Hominy) issued a statement on Friday, claiming that the act of kneeling during the National Anthem is an “anti-patriotic act that shows disrespect to the American flag and all it stands for.” He went on say he would reexamine the tax benefits that the Thunder receive from the State of Oklahoma.
The team has been receiving significant tax benefits from Oklahoma since they relocated from Seattle, prior to the 2008 season. They were granted under the Quality Jobs Act, and are set to receive those tax breaks through 2024.
In the same statement, Roberts suggested that the funds would be better served in support of local police departments rather than giving tax breaks to a team that “supports defunding police and the dissolution of the American nuclear family.”
It’s a controversial issue across the board, as athletes across all sports have knelt before games. It’s getting more recognition, especially since the highly publicized death of George Floyd earlier this year. It’s sparked protests across the country, as the issue continues garner attention on a global scale.
For what it’s worth, the entire Thunder team knelt before Saturday’s game against the Utah Jazz. It’s the first time the two teams have played each other since the night of March 11, when Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 prior to tipoff. Teams have been kneeling since the season restarted this past Thursday, so it will be interesting to see if there will be a response to the Thunder taking a knee.