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Jonathan Isaac's Reasons For Not Taking A Knee During The National Anthem Have Been Revealed

Jonathan Isaac's Reasons For Not Taking A Knee During The National Anthem Have Been Revealed

The Orlando Magic star made headlines when he became the only NBA player to not kneel during the national anthem or wear a BLM shirt.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

Jonathan Isaac's reasons for not taking a knee during the national anthem have been revealed.

The Orlando Magic star made headlines over the weekend when he was the only player in the NBA to not kneel during the national anthem or wear a Black Lives Matter t-shirt as the revamped season made its long-awaited return.

Seen wearing his Magic jersey and standing during The Star-Spangled Banner, Isaac instantly gained global attention with fans desperate to know why he didn't partake in the protest - a movement that has gathered global attention following the death of George Flloyd back in May.

Now, those supporters have an answer.

Speaking after the Magic's 128-118 win over the Brooklyn Nets, Isaac said: "I believe that Black Lives Matter. Kneeling while wearing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt doesn't go hand-in-hand with supporting black lives.

"I support black lives but not that way. My life has been supported by Jesus Christ. The gospel gives us force.

"I knew it was going to be a tough decision, one that people would have questioned. I've leaned on God's word and his plan for me.

"People have opinions, but I took my decision. We're protesting and doing things to get something done. But we need to see all the things and all the answers are in the word of Jesus."

And while Isaac was the only player to not take a knee, other NBA personalities also followed suit.

San Antonio Spurs coach and NBA legend Gregg Popovich was seen standing for the anthem during his side's game against the Sacramento Kings - excepct unlike Isaac, Popovich was donning a Black Lives Matter shirt.

While the five-time NBA champ has always been advocate for social equality and change, he was eager to disclose his reasonings for not taking a knee.

"I'd prefer to keep that to myself," Popovich said.

"Everybody has to make a personal decision. The league's been great about that; everybody has the freedom to react any way they want."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Black Lives Matter, Racism, Basketball, blm, NBA, Australia