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Tom Gores and Stan Van Gundy release statement on protests

By Duncan Smith

AUBURN HILLS, MI - OCTOBER 28: Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores talks with the media prior to their home opener against the Orlando Magic at the Palace of Auburn Hills on October 28, 2016 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI - OCTOBER 28: Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores talks with the media prior to their home opener against the Orlando Magic at the Palace of Auburn Hills on October 28, 2016 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The Detroit Pistons, Tom Gores and Stan Van Gundy released statements on Monday regarding the controversial national anthem protests around the NFL.

We all know the story by now. The President of the United States used profanity in reference to NFL players protesting racial violence, and then rescinded an invitation to the Golden State Warriors after Stephen Curry said he wouldn’t be going.

Around the NBA and NFL, organizations have released statements condemning the President of the United States’ comments regarding protesting athletes, and the Detroit Pistons along with owner Tom Gores joined those ranks on Monday.

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In a statement released to the press, the organization expressed the following:

“America’s most treasured values include equality and diversity, and the right to effect change through peaceful expression and thoughtful debate. Our players care deeply about our community, and they demonstrate that every day. We support their right to raise awareness in a manner they believe is both thoughtful and impactful. We hope that any response to it will be equally thoughtful.”

In addition to Gores’ statement, head coach and president of basketball operations Stan Van Gundy had a prepared statement of his own at Pistons media day.

Per Van Gundy’s statement:

“While it is unfortunate that our current president has made our national anthem a divisive issue, the positive is that people are now talking about some very important problems. There are serious issues of inequality & injustice in this country, people of conscience are compelled to oppose racism, sexism and intolerance of people of different sexual identities and orientation wherever and whenever they see it. I stand with those opposing such bigotry. I as an individual and the Detroit Pistons as an organization support diversity, inclusion and equality. I was proud of the statement that our owner Tom Gores released this morning. I applaud the professional athletes using their platform to voice their opinions. I encourage our players to be engaged, involved citizens. Peaceful protest is a hallmark of our democracy and has been an impetus for social change throughout our history. While people can differ on the issues no one should seek to discourage freedom of speech. The athletes involved in these protests should be respected for exercising their rights of free speech in an appropriate and non-violent manner.”

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