Kobe Bryant Says Trump Can't Make America Great Again After President Attacks Stephen Curry and NFL Stars
"The Black Mamba" struck Saturday away from the NBA court. This time on Twitter and against President Donald Trump.
Retired five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant, who famously nicknamed himself after a black snake, used Trump's signature phrase "Make America Great Again" against him.
"A #POTUS whose name alone creates division and anger. Whose words inspire dissension and hatred can't possibly 'Make America Great Again,'" the retired Los Angeles Lakers superstar, destined to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, tweeted.
A #POTUS whose name alone creates division and anger. Whose words inspire dissension and hatred can't possibly "Make America Great Again"
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) September 23, 2017
Initially, the tweet had a typo that Bryant fixed, and a Twitter user pointed out Bryant's renowned work ethic. That prompted Bryant to tweet back "#mambamentality."
#mambamentality https://t.co/xzFcEmOLEH
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) September 23, 2017
The comment followed a whirlwind 24 hours for Trump, the NBA and some of its biggest stars. Before Bryant, Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry said he would not visit the White House if the rest of his team did, which prompted Trump to tweet Saturday he rescinded the invitation.
Trump's disinvite of Curry then resulted in Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James to clap back and call the president a "bum" and state visiting the White House was an honor before the Republican billionaire moved in. Thus far, the tweet has garnered more than 600,000 likes.
U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 23, 2017
Other NBA stars like Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul also took to Twitter in Curry's defense to tell Trump he should be focused on other matters while serving as president rather than players refusing to stand for the national anthem or visiting the White House.
With everything that's going on in our country, why are YOU focused on who's kneeling and visiting the White House??? #StayInYoLane
— Chris Paul (@CP3) September 23, 2017
Paul also touched on Trump calling NFL players a "son of bitch" for not standing for the anthem, doubting Trump would insult them to "their face."
And I doubt he's man enough to call any of those players a son of a bitch to their face...
— Chris Paul (@CP3) September 23, 2017
Championship teams from professional sports leagues, as well as college teams, traditionally visit Washington and meet with the president after claiming their titles. Most recently, the NFL's New England Patriots went in April but several players skipped the event, with some citing Trump's politics. Quarterback Tom Brady did not attend but cited "family matters."
