Jonathan Magic of Orlando Magic was the first player not to take part in the league-wide protest for social justice at the NBA restart. Before the duel with the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, the 22-year-old paused during the US national anthem, with all other players on their knees like their colleagues the previous day.
Before the opening games between the Los Angeles Lakers and the LA Clippers as well as the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz, the professionals around LeBron James had started the action on Thursday in Orlando / Florida, and they were also wearing T-shirts with the lettering of the Black Lives movement Matter (black lives count). Isaac, wearing the Magic jersey, did not make this gesture the next day.
The common knee of all professionals had outshone the restart of the NBA. There should be no penalties for this, NBA boss Adam Silver made clear. “I respect the collective act of peaceful protest and will not enforce our longstanding rule that requires standing during the national anthem,” said one statement.
The 22-year-old was subsequently asked about his decision and responded with religious reasons. “For me personally, getting on your knees or putting on a T-shirt is not the answer. For me, black life is supported by the gospel.” While his teammates were kneeling, he prayed, Isaac said.
Why didn’t Jonathan Isaac kneel? His explanation in wording
“I believe that black lives matter. There was a lot in my decision. And part of it is my thought that kneeling or wearing a BLM T-shirt doesn’t go hand in hand with supporting black lives. That’s why I felt like I personally believe that I think black lives count, but I felt like I had to make that decision and I didn’t want to wear this shirt or get on my knees. I don’t think so that this would have gone hand in hand with whether I support black lives or not. “
The Magic already published a Statement, in which they signaled support for the Forward, and his teammates also strengthened Isaac’s back.
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