Curry dismisses notion NBA players immune to social, racial inequality
Stephen Curry may be a rich and famous pro athlete, but that doesn't make him numb to the struggles that ordinary people face.
The Golden State Warriors superstar has received plenty of criticism on social media from people who disagree with his public opposition of President Donald Trump and his policies, which resulted in the withdrawal of the team's invitation to visit the White House.
According to the critics, Curry's wealth and stature render him unqualified to speak out on social injustice.
"I've heard a lot of backlash from this whole thing last weekend about how much money we make and 'what are we complaining about?' and 'we're in a bubble, we don't have the same struggles and stresses of life (compared) to other people,'" Curry told ESPN's Chris Haynes.
"And obviously, I come from a privileged background with my dad playing in the NBA. I'm not denying that, but the majority of the NBA players come from the same backgrounds and socioeconomic situations that these criticisms are coming from."
Related: Curry says being targeted by Trump on Twitter was 'surreal'
The two-time league MVP has been brave enough to speak out on issues that matter to him, even if his views run counter to those of his sponsors. Some of the issues don't even impact him directly, but they do affect people close to him. As such, Curry called it "ridiculous" that people try to downplay his political statements and those made by other athletes because of how much money they make.
"That doesn't make any difference to us," the 29-year-old said. "And hopefully with that money, we can do a lot of good with it. We still have family and people that we are connected to, that we feel what real life is like."
The All-NBA point guard also argued that NBA players are not immune to racial profiling, pointing to an incident involving Anthony Morrow. The Portland Trail Blazers swingman was pulled over by police and subject to a random search of his vehicle for drugs.
"Little things like that, you're affected by because it tells you no matter how well you play basketball and how much money you make, when you step foot off the floor, if people don't know who you are or your name, then you're subject to the same targeting as other people," Curry said. "That's what we're trying to change."
The two-time champ has publicly backed former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who took a knee during the national anthem in protest of social injustice and police brutality. Hundreds of NFL players, coaches, and owners joined the movement last weekend, but that isn't expected to be replicated on the hardwood.
Related: Curry rips SI for leaving Kaepernick off activism cover
The NBA sent out a memo Friday reinforcing its rule that players and coaches must stand for the national anthem, and Steve Kerr indicated his club will comply. Regardless, Curry will continue to use his voice to try to inspire positive change.
"I have a platform, and I'm going to use it for the betterment of society," he said. "That's what we all should be trying to do."