Utah Jazz: Gobert has some advice for Kaepernick/Nike protesters

Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert has once again used social media to speak out on one of our nation’s (literally) hot topics; the Colin Kaepernick/Nike burning protests.

If you’ve spent any amount of time following the comings and goings of Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, a couple of things become immediately clear to you. His defensive dominance and competitive spirit are the obvious takeaways, but you’ll also see Gobert’s propensity for speaking out when he thinks something is wrong.

Earlier this year, for example, he took on Fox News contributor Tomi Lahren for her defense of President Donald Trump’s reported use of derogatory language to describe Haiti and African nations. Now, he’s offering his thoughts on people who are burning their Nike apparel in protest of the company’s decision to do business with Colin Kaepernick.

Gobert’s snippet of Twitter wisdom: why not give your old Nike gear to someone who actually needs it instead of committing it to ash? Specifically, one of the many military veterans in this country who have fallen on hard times since returning to civilian life.

Here’s the Jazz star’s tweet —

My take: regardless of your personal stance on Kaepernick joining forces with Nike, Gobert’s not wrong. Per a December 2017 report, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that more than 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Clearly, this is a major problem that isn’t being properly addressed.

Nevertheless, protesters are burning clothes and shoes that could aid these people because they’re dissatisfied with Nike’s decision to sign a pitchman who knelt before a football game; a move that represents his first amendment rights in action (rights that those same veterans fought to protect).

For my part, I support any protester’s right to free expression; this particular action just seems like an awful waste. Not just of money or product, but of an opportunity to make a difference for people in genuine need.

In any case, Gobert’s commentary isn’t unique within the Jazz organization. Team ownership and management have largely been supportive of players speaking up on issues when they feel it’s prudent or necessary.

And why not? If key figureheads within the organization can express their own opinions on controversial ideas, i.e. owner Gail Miller and team president Steve Starks throwing a curious/potentially misguided and-one to help combat Utah’s medical marijuana ballot initiative, it stands to reason that players are allowed to do the same in support of their own causes.

Props to Gobert for continually exercising his ability to do just that. And I would hope Jazz fans take note of his advice.