Iman Shumpert Raps That He Will Take a Knee During National Anthem

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert has indicated he will join the growing list of athletes supporting Colin Kaepernick by kneeling during the National Anthem. In a new song titled “His Story” that dropped today, Shumpert rapped, "you best believe I'm going to take me a knee for the anthem."

Many athletes, including Megan Rapinoe of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team and Brandon Marshall of the Denver Broncos, have followed Kaepernick’s lead by not standing during "The Star-Spangled Banner" in order to protest police treatment of blacks in America. Other sports figures, like Clemson coach Dabo Swinney and ESPN’s Trent Dilfer, have been openly critical of Kaepernick.

Earlier this week, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Victor Oladipo told Complex there was “no question” Kaepernick’s protest would carry over into the NBA.

In his new track, Shumpert also addressed his recent arrest near Atlanta for DWI and possession of marijuana.

“Came in the league and my image was so clean cut/Then I messed up and got locked up and this s*** sucks,” Shumpert raps.

Many of the NBA’s biggest stars, including Shumpert’s teammate LeBron James, have been vocally critical of police treatment of blacks in the United States.

While players taking a knee has been a big issue for the NFL, which prides itself on patriotism, the NBA is a famously progressive organization. Commissioner Adam Silver moved the All-Star Game from Charlotte to New Orleans because of North Carolina’s controversial House Bill 2. Silver would likely applaud Shumpert and others if they chose to take a knee.

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