Report: Several NBA players to follow Kaepernick-style protests
The NBA is planning to stand, or in this case kneel, with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, several players have indicated their intentions to make gestures similar to Kaepernick's in the upcoming season.
It's unclear as to whether they'll also protest issues of discrimination and police brutality.
Aldridge's report echoes the prediction made by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo, who intimated that there will definitely be similar protests made by NBA players.
However, acting out said protests may prove difficult. Unlike in the NFL, there are specific NBA rules requiring players and coaches to "stand and line up in a dignified posture" during the playing of the national anthem.
When Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf refused to stand for the anthem in 1996, he was suspended one game. Abdul-Rauf eventually agreed to look downwards with his eyes closed as a silent protest without punishment, but he claims he was blackballed by the league in the years shortly thereafter.
Related: Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf supports Kaepernick '1,000 percent'
That being said, the NBA and NBPA are proactively working in tandem to find some way to allow players to take meaningful action. The league has also thus far chosen to take no action against the Indiana Fever (and two players on the Phoenix Mercury) choosing to kneel during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in Wednesday's WNBA playoff game.
Regardless of their decision, players and coaches alike have already taken it upon themselves to show support for Kaepernick, and to demand social change.
Golden State Warriors stars Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Kevin Durant applauded Kaepernick's efforts, while Jabari Parker posted an Instagram photo of himself wearing Kaepernick's jersey. Iman Shumpert has also pledged donations toward improving police-community relations.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, meanwhile, has voiced his support for stricter gun legislation, and reiterated that Americans should be "disgusted" by events such as the police killing of Terence Crutcher.
Rajon Rondo, Russell Westbrook, and Chris Paul also decried Crutcher's passing through social media.
Earlier this summer, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, and Paul led off the ESPYs with an impassioned plea for change.
