Bill Russell calls Donald Trump 'divisive' and 'coward' over kneeling remarks on Twitter

Boston Celtics great Bill Russell responded to US President Donald Trump's tweet about "no kneeling" during the national anthem. Bill Russell says it takes courage to kneel during the national anthem and there is nothing "disrespectful" or "UnAmerican" about that.

Donald Trump tweets out a message against protests during national anthem

On Friday, Donald Trump took to Twitter to share his opinion on the recent social media bashing of New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees after the latter said he will never agree to kneel during the national anthem. According to Brees, kneeling during the national anthem is a sign of disrespect towards the armed forces and the US flag. Donald Trump appeared on the same page as Drew Brees as he tweeted out kneeling during the national anthem is no way to protest. "We should be standing up straight and tall, ideally with a salute or a hand on heart," he wrote. "There are other things you can protest, but not our Great American Flag - No Kneeling."

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Bill Russell respond to Donald Trump tweets, Bill Russell kneeling photo

Bill Russell responded to Donald Trump on Saturday after he shared a picture of him kneeling to social media. The 86-year-old can be seen wearing the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which was bestowed upon him in 2011 by then-President Barack Obama. Russell shared the same photo in 2017 when he offered support for protesting against "social injustices" in the United States. In his recent post, the NBA Hall of Famer said the US President is "divisive" and "coward". Russell concluded his tweet with hashtags 'Black Lives Matter' and 'Proud 2 Knee'. 

George Floyd protests, Colin Kaepernick's 'Take a knee' movement

San Francisco 49ers Colin Kaepernick started the 'kneeling during national anthem' movement in 2016 when he did the same during a pre-season game against Green Bay Packers. It generally garnered polarising reactions as Kaepernick continued his protest throughout the 2016 season and was even joined by several of his NFL peers. The movement gained relevance after the recent killing of George Floyd - an unarmed African-American murdered by a police officer. 

Also Read | George Floyd Protests: From UK To Australia, World Unites To Raise Voice Against Racism

Floyd's death has sparked protests and riots across the United States. Several NBA and NFL players have come forward to support the protests and speak up against the recent incidents of police brutality and racial profiling. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James has been extremely vocal on social media as he repeatedly tried to bring attention to the 'peaceful' protests in the country.

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Bill Russell has himself tweeted in support of the protests and even has offered his condolences to George Floyd's family.

Also Read | Donald Trump Tweets: Slams Drew Brees For Apologising For Initial Comments On Kaepernick's Protest