Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley had a busy day at ESPN on Monday that included a 7-minute visit with Stephen A. Smith, Max Kellerman and Molly Qerim on the show “First Take.” Here are some of the highlights.
For the full video of Mike Conley’s appearance, click here.
Comments on Colin Kaepernick’s anthem boycott
In case you somehow missed it, San Francisco 49ers backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick sparked debate by deciding not to stand when the Star Spangled Banner was played preceding the Niners’ preseason games.
After a game against the Green Bay Packers, Kaepernick made the following statement:
"“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color. To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and (police) getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”"
First Take opened up the segment by asking Conley his thoughts, though, he never made his stance clear:
"“I think he 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.”"
Then, First Take followed up by asking him if he thinks NBA players will join Kaepernick’s movement. Several other NFL players have started sitting during the anthem and the USWNT’s Megan Rapinoe took a knee as a “nod to Kaepernick.”
"“I don’t count it out, I’m not necessarily one to know for sure.”"
Athletes in the community
Conley took that chance to transition the conversation to what athletes can and should be doing to help with social issues. He may have what is currently the largest guaranteed contract in NBA history, but Conley said athletes need to use more than just their wealth to make a difference in their communities.
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"“I think more needs to be done than raising awareness. We need to get out in the field and make change as well. I’m one who’s donated a million dollars to the Grizzlies’ Foundation to help throughout the city of Memphis and help raise awareness and these things. But at the same time, it’s not about money and these things, you have to get out there and do it yourself.“I feel an obligation in the position I’m in the and platform I have as a basketball player in America … we’re role models whether we like it or not.”"
Conley has been known for his generosity in the Memphis community, something that goes far beyond writing a check or running a few basketball camps.
"“To get out there in the community and embrace your role and show your face, not just on TV, not just speaking about it, but actually going into those neighborhoods and those bad places and seeing people who need help and promising, not just promising, but doing and showing you care about their lives and the betterment of the community.”"
On the NBA offseason’s hefty paydays
Mike Conley wasn’t the only player whose contract raised some eyebrows this summer after the NBA’s salary cap increased, a phenomenon that I now refer to as “Mozgov Money” and “Beal Bucks.”
Conley seemed ready for the question, spewing out this (true) response about how the cap will leap up again next summer:
"“At first glance, all the money looks outrageous but we’re just the first. In the next year’s, you’re going to see a lot of other people getting paid and we’re going to be yesterday’s news.”"
He also said the guaranteed cash won’t hinder his own work ethic.
"“So for now, as far as the pressure, I think as athletes we put pressure on ourselves regardless to perform at a high level. It’s an opportunity more so than anything that I’m excited for, with that money, I feel like my role can change and I can get out there and do more.”"
Stephen A. Smith pointed out he wasn’t talking about Conley, who’s known as a notoriously hard worker, but rather his league peers. Conley’s opinion stayed the same.
"“You know, all of us got here in this position through hard work. It wasn’t given to anybody. We all had to go through our sacrifices and our obstacles to get here.“I think that doesn’t leave an athlete no matter what you get paid … the majority of these athletes in all sports play with a lot of pride and integrity and I don’t think that’ll change.”"
Conley also acknowledged the Golden State Warriors are the team “on everybody’s list” and “the only way we’re going to get out of the west is to go through Golden State.” However, there was no opinion given on the Kevin Durant signing.