Pistons' Van Gundy 'proud' of players who stand up for social injustice

Detroit Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy is standing in support of the four players who spoke out about social inequality at this year's ESPY awards while calling for an end to violence in the United States.

"I’m encouraged by the fact of what some of those guys stood up and did at the ESPYs and had a conversation," Van Gundy told Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press. "I’m really proud of the fact that we have guys that not only see the problem, but want to try to do something about it.

"I think that’s exciting and we want to try to help direct them."

Van Gundy recently met with the Pistons' front office and his own players in hopes of educating his team on social issues, according to Ellis. Van Gundy also encouraged his players to vote in the upcoming U.S. presidential election.

"To me, in some ways, (police brutality is) just the most visible to focus on and it goes to deeper inequities in our criminal justice system, our education system so there’s so much to focus on," Van Gundy said. "I think it’s great that we have players that want to be part of that conversation, and a lot of players that want to go beyond the conversation and be part of the solution."

With the season set to tip off next month, a number of players across the NBA are reportedly set to make Colin Kaepernick-style protests this season.