NBA stars call out President Donald Trump for ‘cowardly’ response to American protests

Australian NBA superstar Ben Simmons has slammed President Donald Trump’s “cowardly” response to the nationwide protests.

Australian basketball star Ben Simmons has posted a series of scathing tweets directed at American President Donald Trump, calling out his “cowardly” response to the nationwide protests crippling the US.

The death of African-American George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer instigated protests around the country.

Floyd’s death was the latest case of police brutality against black men caught on videotape and has prompted an outcry over racism in US law enforcement.

Trump copped immense backlash after he tweeted, “When the looting starts, the shooting starts,” in response to the looting in Minneapolis following the death of Floyd.

Peaceful protesters were also forcibly removed from White House grounds, and Trump threatened to use greater force.

The Philadelphia 76ers forward was less than impressed with the American President’s actions, begging for a change of approach.

Let me be clear. I will ALWAYS fight for equality and unity. If you call yourself a fan of me but do not agree with EQUALITY and UNITY for everyone then I don’t want or need you in my corner.

— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) June 2, 2020

“This is not what a leader looks like. His actions and cold words are cowardly. Do not allow these messages of hate and divide draw your attention away from the REAL goal of UNITY and EQUALITY which is achieved through LOVE and COMPASSION,” Simmons tweeted on Tuesday.

“Let me be clear. I will ALWAYS fight for equality and unity. If you call yourself a fan of me but do not agree with EQUALITY and UNITY for everyone then I don’t want or need you in my corner.”

Simmons also posted a photo of himself wearing a shirt with Floyd’s last words — “I can’t breathe.”

pic.twitter.com/bA7jZV3OY6

— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) May 30, 2020

Simmons is a two-time NBA All-Star, and has represented the Sixers since 2016.

SPURS COACH SLAMS ‘DERANGED’ TRUMP

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has called President Donald Trump a “deranged idiot” during a brutal tirade on Monday.

Speaking to The Nation, Popovich rebuked Trump for his response to the riots, labelling the President a “coward”.

“He’s not just divisive. He’s a destroyer,” Popovich said.

“To be in his presence, makes you die. He will eat you alive for his own purposes.

“I’m appalled that we have a leader who can’t say, ‘Black lives matter.’ That’s why he hides in the White House basement. He is a coward. He creates a situation and runs away like a grade-schooler.

“Actually, I think it’s best to ignore him. There is nothing he can do to make this better because of who he is; a deranged idiot.”

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich.

Popovich also accused the American President of focusing on his self-image instead of working to unify the nation.

“If Trump had a brain, even if it was 99 per cent cynical, he would come out and say something to unify people. But, he doesn’t care about bringing people together. Even now.

“That’s how deranged he is. It’s all about him. It’s all about what benefits him personally. It’s never about the greater good. And, that’s all he’s ever been.”

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr also mocked the American President for his PR stunt which involved holding up a Bible outside a local church.

I feel so much better seeing him hold the Bible. Now I know he is a moral man driven by family values and a strict set of personal ethics. This changes everything. pic.twitter.com/6EpXfDnafI

— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerr) June 2, 2020

Popovich has coached the San Antonio Spurs since 1996. He is a five-time NBA champion as head coach and was awarded NBA Coach of the Year on three occasions, most recently in 2014.

The Spurs boasted a 27-36 record in the 2019/20 NBA season before the coronavirus lockdown.

KNICKS OWNER’S ‘EMBARRASSING’ RESPONSE

New York Knicks owner James Dolan has been condemned for his decision to stay silent on the devastating protests in America.

Only two NBA franchises have not released a statement in response to the nationwide protests against racial injustice – the Knicks and the Spurs.

While Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich delivered some powerful comments this week, Dolan allegedly sent an email to Madison Square Garden employees explaining why the Knicks are yet to say anything.

Knicks players and employees are reportedly furious after Dolan argued the franchise is not in a position to offer an opinion.

I'm told that Knicks players and employees are furious that the team hasn't made a public statement about George Floyd. And I just obtained the e-mail that owner Jim Dolan sent to MSG employees today defending the organization's decision to stay silent: pic.twitter.com/xG1BA7tV5V

— Pablo S. Torre (@PabloTorre) June 2, 2020

“As companies in the business of sports and entertainment … we are not any more qualified than anyone else to offer our opinion on social matters. What’s important is how we operate,” the message read, as revealed by ESPN reporter Pablo Torre.

“Our companies are committed to upholding our values, which include creating a respectful workplace for all, and that will never change.

“What we say to each other matters. How we treat each other matters. And that’s what will get us through this difficult time.”

Dolan faced heavy backlash for the decision, with several Knicks fans expressing their disappointment on social media.

Seriously, could James Dolan be any more tone deaf?

— Michael G. (@MichaelGarofola) June 2, 2020

James Dolan is not only saying Knicks aren't qualified for an opinion on George Floyd, but neither is anyone else. Does he even grasp what's happened?

Seriously, how can this not push action from the NBA to replace him as an owner?

— Jason Smith (@howaboutafresca) June 2, 2020

This is the definition of cowardice. Weasel speak, embarrassing even for the likes of James Dolan. Im floored, truly. https://t.co/OBtAAidd0e

— Wosny Lambre (@BigWos) June 2, 2020