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Memphis Grizzlies coach David Fizdale supports Colin Kaepernick’s national anthem protest

By Ryan Snellings

Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks up the tunnel after a 31-21 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks up the tunnel after a 31-21 win over the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Memphis Grizzlies coach David Fizdale voiced his support for Colin Kaepernick’s national anthem protest, saying “I lived it.”

Memphis Grizzlies head coach, Dave Fizdale, said today that he loves what San Fransisco 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick is doing with his widely publicized protest of the national anthem.

Kaepernick has drawn a lot of attention over the past few weeks for his protest, both positive and negative. Almost all mainstream news outlets have covered the subject ad nauseum. Regardless of your opinion on the situation, it has led to discussion. Popular NBA podcasts have started to have conversations about racism in sports and in the country as a whole.

"Kaepernick has suggested that he will need to see significant progress toward improving social justice and racial equality before he considers ending his national anthem protest."

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and teammate 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) kneel during the playing of the national anthem before a NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; (Editors note: Caption correction) San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and teammate 49ers free safety Eric Reid (35) kneel during the playing of the national anthem before a NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi /

Every one in the  country has had an opinion on the situation and several other NFL players have joined Kaepernick. Many expect the trend to follow in the NBA, especially after LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul spoke out before this year’s ESPY’S.

If this trend continues in the NFL and carries over to the NBA, it’ll be interesting to see how coaches and their organizations handle it. David Fizdale speaking out and showing his position now is good. If his players decide to protest in some form, they will know he has their back.

Related Story: Mike Conley talks Colin Kaepernick, NBA's rising salary cap

David Fizdale isn’t the first member of the Memphis Grizzlies to voice an opinion about the Colin Kaepernick protests, as Mike Conley was asked about it on ESPN’s show, “First Take,” last week.

"“I think (Colin Kaepernick) has the right to protest peacefully … and  unfortunately I think the message is getting lost in the way he’s doing it. It takes a lot of courage to do what he’s doing.”“It’s definitely a tough subject that needs to be addressed.” January 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Miami Heat assistant head coach David Fizdale during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Heat 111-103. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports"

Conley was also asked if he thinks the anthem protests will cary over into the NBA season.

"“I don’t count it out, I’m not necessarily one to know for sure.”"

Only time will tell.

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