Phoenix Suns: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 Media Day

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3. Suns veterans speak out on social issues

“Stick to sports” no longer applies when the president himself calls out NFL and NBA players alike. With socially charged issues like racism, peaceful protests, the national anthem, inequality and the Trump’s childish disparaging of professional football and basketball players, the Suns’ place in the league standings mattered far less than their place in society as fellow human beings.

Some players, such as Eric Bledsoe, didn’t have as much to say on the topic, preferring to focus on the upcoming season.

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McDonough said, “We certainly applaud their right to speak their minds and give their opinions,” but mostly deflected, realizing the opinions of his players mattered far more based on their differing backgrounds.

When asked about the Golden State Warriors’ decision to not visit the White House, Devin Booker simply said, “I respect their decision. I’ll leave it at that.”

Earl Watson differentiated the NBA from the NFL, saying he’d rather use his energy on trying to bring people together in a positive light and doing work in the community than waste it talking about what Trump said.

Some of the team’s veterans, however, were more vocal about the issues at hand.

"“I think in general we’re all disappointed in Trump’s comments with what’s going on,” Jared Dudley said. “I think there’s been a line drawn in terms of [Colin] Kaepernick and the kneeling and then in comes the military and you kind of see both sides, but I think that what’s getting lost in the whole thing is why he was kneeling. ‘We don’t really talk about that enough as we should be when it comes to unarmed black men getting shot and dying and no consequences of that. So that’s what I think is unjust.”"

Dudley went on to note that the NFL’s stance grew broader than what Kaepernick was kneeling for, taking on an anti-Trump focus after his “sons of bitches” comments more than anything else.

"“Until we get to the point where we see the majority of owners and the key players on each team vocally saying it and condemning it, we’re going to still have these problems going forward,” he explained. “But I think it’s a step, it’s a small step going forward, and I hope we continue to build on it.”"

Tyson Chandler referred to the president’s comments as “disheartening,” “divisive,” “insulting” and “a shot at humanity” in general, not just NFL players. He was able to find one silver lining, however.

"“The one thing that’s coming from this is I see guys stepping up and guys coming together from all walks of life,” he said. “To me that’s a positive from this. If it takes that, which I clearly don’t agree with, but through all that darkness, light always comes and prevails.”"

Though NBA rules prevent players from abstaining from or kneeling during the national anthem, other players such as LeBron James and Stephen Curry have already spoken up about the issues. With some of the Suns’ most socially conscious players and their head coach being well versed in them as well, it will be interesting to see how these teams handle this situation and similar ones down the road.

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