As NBA training camps get underway today the majority of media scrums focused on how the league views American athletes protesting during the U-S national anthem by taking a knee.
Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry — who's from Philadelphia — is unsure what the Raptors will do but definitely supports his fellow athletes.
"We [our team] haven't had that conversation," says Lowry. "I think one thing about our league is that whatever we decide to do our league will support us. As athletes and NBA players I think we respect what the NFL did — it was amazing to see all of those guys standing holding arms and some kneeling. I think it was a positive impact. My fellow athletes have said it well, and I think it's unfortunate that someone who's the leader of the most dominant country in the world is calling men 'SOBs' — it's just sad."
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Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan — who's from California — also supports the peaceful protests.
"Even though we aren't in the same sport as them we can help do the same — spreading positivity, learning, trying to make a change," says DeRozan. "It starts with us because we have a voice — we can spread so much as a whole as long as we stick together. It's great, I'm definitely going to play a part in it."
As far as on the court action goes, the Raptors kickoff their pre-season with a pair of games against the L-A Clippers in Honolulu, Hawaii October 1st and 4th.
The Pistons, meantime, open up their exhibition schedule at Little Caesars Arena against the Charlotte Hornets October 4th.