Draymond Green rips Texans’ owner Bob McNair

Peaceful protests have been one of the most commonly discussed topics in sports lately, particularly in the NFL. The NFL has had a large number of protests - both against systematic racism, and President Donald Trump - and an equal number of anti-protest sentiments.

Friday morning it was revealed by ESPN that Bob McNair, the owner of the Houston Texans, as well as a Trump donor, had made horrific statements at a recent owners meeting. McNair, advocating for the NFL to instate a rule mandating that players stand for the National Anthem, said, “we can’t have the inmates running the prison.”

Not surprisingly, McNair and his comments were met with much-deserved criticism and backlash. One of the strongest voices came from Golden State Warriors All-Star Draymond Green, who spoke eloquently and emphatically, both at practice and through social media, about what was wrong with McNair’s comments.

If you can’t view those posts, here’s a transcription. First, his comments at practice (as transcribed by Anthony Slater):

I don’t think it should be up to him to change his behavior. They got a commissioner just like any other league. First they were sons of bitches and now inmates? I know some inmates. They don’t pay taxes. They’re not community leaders. They’re not (Philadelphia Eagles safety Malcolm) Jenkins, flying to the White House, flying to DC, doing all these things to make a difference. They’re not (former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin) Kaepernick, donating $1 million. That’ like, come on, man - inmates? That’s unacceptable.

Will (NFL commissioner Roger Goodell) react to it is the question? I mean, I wouldn’t personally want to play for somebody who view me as an inmate. Because I haven’t done nothing in my life to be an inmate. To be an inmate, you’re either in a hospital or in prison. I’m not in a hopsital and I’m for damn sure not in prion. Then you say, some people commented on my pot that, “Hey, it’s a figure of speech.” Agree or disagree, figure of speeches aren’t okay in 2017. If I come out and give a figure of speech that’s not socially okay, I’m going to get fined. I’m going to get ridiculed. If I come out and give a figure of speech on anything - whether that’s race, whether that’s sexual orientation - whatever that is, if I give a figure of speech in 2017, I’m going to get ridiculed by any group that’s formed to protect one’s group. I’m going to get fined by the NBA. I’m going to be looked at ridiculously by the community. So why is that okay? I disagree with that. If you’re an inmate, you’re not playing. They pay taxes jut like he pay taxes and, if I’ve learned a bit about business, maybe more. So it’s a strong word to use about someone else’s kids again. It’s crazy.

And his comments on Instagram:

Wow! This sure does sound very Donald Sterling-esque. But I’m sure the fans pay to see him play and he’s putting himself at risk of CTE by going out there every Sunday and giving 110%! Inmates? For starters, let’s stop using the word owner and maybe use the word Chairman. To be owned by someone just sets a bad precedent to start. It sets the wrong tone. It gives one the wrong mindset. Webster states that an inmate is a person confined to an institution such as a prison or hospital. Not sure these tax paying men should be referred to as inmates- but what do I know?

Spot on. Never change, Draymond.