Etan Thomas, a former teammate of Michael Jordan, expressed his views on the viral moment involving Victor Wembanyama during Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Thomas posted the video featuring the Spurs star on his Instagram account on Thursday.
In the footage, Wembanyama is seen standing with his arms crossed as the U.S. national anthem is played in the arena. Thomas criticized the fans and analysts who condemned Wembanyama’s actions.
“MAGA is really mad about this. I even saw Jason Whitlock do a whole segment about it (no surprise there), but when will ‘they’ understand that the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance, etc doesn’t mean the same to everyone as it means to them. With this country’s history (and present), this shouldn’t have to be explained,” he wrote.
Jason Whitlock, host of “Fearless,” was among the analysts who criticized the Spurs star on their platform. Whitlock accused the French player of disrespecting America.
“This league would be retarded to make Victor Wembanyama the face of the league,” he said. “This man, standing here, making all that money on the biggest stage in the NBA, and you’re standing there with the national anthem with your arms crossed with most of your other teammates with your heads down. Can’t you pay America the respect it’s owed? Foreigner!”
Victor Wembanyama has remained focused on Game 2 of the Finals, set for Friday, despite the criticism.
“He’s going to be a great player”: Donald Trump showers praise on Victor Wembanyama ahead of Finals attendance
The Spurs will host the Knicks for Game 2 of the NBA Finals on Friday before the series moves to New York. According to BasketNews, Donald Trump may attend Games 3 and 4 of the series.
On Thursday, the 47th U.S. President shared his thoughts on Victor Wembanyama with reporters.
“Wemby is a great player,” he said. “He’s going to be a great player, and he is already a great player. I say, ‘How do you guard this guy?’ 7-foot-5 and he’s got a great shot, right? But (the Knicks) find a way to do it.”
Trump, a New York native, also praised his friend and Knicks owner Jim Dolan for assembling a team capable of reaching the Finals.
“They’re really great. They’re a great team. And I’m happy for Jim because Jim has really been fighting hard to produce such a team,” he said.
Game 2 between the Spurs and the Knicks tips off at 8:30 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the game on ABC and stream it on Fubo.
Edited by Avi Shravan
