NBA players rally around Stephen Curry after Donald Trump criticizes him on Twitter

Donald Trump tweeted about Stephen Curry on Saturday morning to withdraw an invite to the White House that the Warriors point guard wouldn’t have accepted anyway.

The Warriors responded to Trump’s tweets in a release on Saturday afternoon:

It was the President’s latest foray into the sports world after calling out NFL players for their national anthem protests at a rally Friday night. The NFL and NFLPA responded to those comments, which included Trump saying anyone who kneels for the anthem should be fired, with a pair of statements on Saturday.

Less than 24 hours prior to the tweet, Curry had stated he wouldn’t go to the White House, in hopes of inspiring change.

Trump’s response sparked players around the NBA to voice their thoughts on Twitter, most notably LeBron James, who called the President a “bum.” He also said that “Going to the White House was a great honor until you [Trump] showed up.”

Later, NBA commissioner Adam Silver also issued this statement:

“I was in favor of the team visiting the White House and thought it was a rare opportunity for these players to share their views directly with the President. I am disappointed that that will not happen. More importantly, I am proud of our players for taking an active role in their communities and continuing to speak out on critically important issues.”

The NBA Players Association went stronger in its statement:

“The National Basketball Players Association defends its members' exercise of their free speech rights against those who would seek to stifle them. The celebration of free expression - not condemnation - is what truly makes America great.”

Many active and former players. spoke out themselves Here are some select tweets.

Chris Paul

Draymond Green

Kobe Bryant

Ayesha Curry

Bradley Beal

David West

Caron Butler

C.J. Watson

Garrett Temple

Jared Dudley

Baron Davis

Robin Lopez

---

The tradition of visiting the White House and the Trump presidency