Earlier this week, former Phoenix Suns star and two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash wrote a harshly-worded tweet aimed at President Trump for his comments following white supremacist protests in Charlottesville, Virginia.
On Friday, Nash's former teammate and current Suns forward Jared Dudley defended another former NBA MVP in his criticism of the president.
On Thursday, Warriors forward Kevin Durant announced he doesn't intend to visit the White House for the Warriors' NBA championship celebration due to disagreements with President Trump. The next day, Dudley took to Twitter to defend Durant's decision from critics, including former ESPN reporter Britt McHenry.
McHenry, who has identified as ideologically conservative after she became one of dozens of employees laid off by ESPN in April, tweeted the following Friday: "If issue (fairly) is divisiveness in the USA, then use celebrity & platform to come together. Great leaders meet, not shun invitations to WH."
Durant quickly responded to McHenry: "boo hoo. Sad story....keep tellin me more"
boo hoo. Sad story.....keep tellin me more ?
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) August 18, 2017
Several hours later, Dudley also replied to McHenry.
"We don't expect you to understand from our point of view. KD with this WH has sent a message and will aspire our youth," Dudley wrote.
@brittmchenry We don't expect you to understand from our point of view. KD with this WH has sent a message and will aspire our youth. https://t.co/9MEx0GJfxS
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) August 18, 2017
Exactly! She goin by perception not reality https://t.co/34McNCNJGg
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) August 18, 2017
An hour later, Dudley defended his point of view from another Twitter user.
Never said it was the best.. I'm simple saying there's different ways to aspire the youth.. Him taking this stance is one way https://t.co/AamiNN8rrU
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) August 18, 2017
The 32-year-old Dudley is in his second stint with the Suns. He played in Phoenix from 2009-13 and helped lead the Suns to the 2010 Western Conference Finals. The Suns re-signed Dudley before the 2016-17 season. He has averaged 9.3 points per game in six seasons in Phoenix.
On Thursday, Dudley applauded Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Chris Long for showing support safety for teammate Malcolm Jenkins during a national anthem protest.
So it begins...Respect Chris Long! https://t.co/74pkT02PKp
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) August 18, 2017
