Basketball legend Oscar Robertson has been outspoken on social issues since his playing days six decades ago. After being honored for lifetime achievement Monday at the NBA Awards, he applauded players like LeBron James for taking a public stand in these politically volatile times, but urged white athletes to do the same.
"(Professional athletes have) seen some injustice in the streets or wherever it might be, it might be almost anywhere, and they're stepping up," Robertson told reporters, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "But the only thing that really bothers me is, where are the white athletes when this is happening? This is not a black athlete problem. You see injustice in the world. It's all around you."
James and other NBA stars have expressed support for various African American NFL players who demonstrated at games during the national anthem against inconsistent policing. Many have also openly criticized the perceived discriminatory policies of the Trump Administration.
Last year, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long, who is white, voiced support for his black teammates in the anthem matter.
Robertson, 79, said that no matter what, today's generation has the ability for free expression that his didn't.
"Years ago, (athletes) didn't say anything because they couldn't say anything," he said. "But now I hope they all, the whites and the blacks get together. Even with the football. What do you think is going to happen when the union gets involved with the owners? You think it's going to be settled really easily? No, it's not. It's going to be nothing but a total mess."
