Kidd says Bucks' unity during anthem 'not a protest'

In a similar gesture to what the Toronto Raptors did before their preseason opener, the Milwaukee Bucks stood for the national anthem Monday with their arms around the player next to them.

Head coach Jason Kidd repeatedly made it clear the show of unity was not a political protest.

"It's not a protest," Kidd said, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell. "We're not protesting. We're showing unity. There's not a protest."

Chicago Bulls players did not do anything different during the national anthem.

The show of unity among athletes began in the NFL in the wake of Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel for the anthem in protest of racially-charged police brutality. When the Raptors and Golden State Warriors opened the NBA preseason Saturday, Toronto players linked arms during the U.S. and Canadian anthems.

Player opinion on forms of demonstration has varied. Some NBA stars like LeBron James say they respect the rights of those to exert their First Amendment privileges, but say they have no plans to alter their anthem routine. Other teams have preached joining together in solidarity.

"It shows that through it all, thick and thin, we gotta have each other's back, regardless of your skin color, regardless of your race," Bucks forward Jabari Parker said after Monday's game.

"I think they've covered every base, and I think it's just showing awareness," Kidd added. "I think it's really nice of them and special that they came together as a unit and be unified. It just shows our growth for a young team."

The Bucks beat the Bulls 93-91.