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Kevin Durant is the latest public figure speaking out against Donald Trump. 。
In an interview with 。 ESPN 。's Chris Haynes, the NBA finals MVP explained his qualms with the current president, and why he wouldn't be making a stop at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave this year to celebrate the Golden State Warriors championship. 。
SEE ALSO:A giant inflatable 'Trump Rat' has invaded Manhattan 。"Nah, I won't do that," Durant told Haynes. "I don't respect who's in office right now." 。
"I don't agree with what he agrees with, so my voice is going to be heard by not doing that," Durant continued, explaining that this was not necessarily a team decision to continue the storied tradition of celebrating victory at the White House with the president. "That's just me personally, but if I know my guys well enough, they'll all agree with me." 。
Thanks for signing up! 。 "I'm representing a lot of people," Durant said to 。ESPN 。
. "As far as what's going on in our country, for one, as an athlete, you have to commend Colin Kaepernick, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, CP3 [and] Dwyane Wade for starting that conversation last year. Russell Westbrook also said something in his speech. A lot [of] guys with platforms have drove the conversation in a good direction. And what's going on in Charlottesville, that was unfathomable." 。
Durant won't be the first athlete to refuse to be affiliated with the Trump administration. Several NFL players from the Patriots similarly refused a trip to the White House after winning the Super Bowl championships in 2017. Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers avoided staying at a Trump Hotel in New York along with other teammates. 。
Durant also discussed the need for more people with platforms to condemn and call out injustices, as well as set an example for youth. 。
"For us to move forward, we need more athletes and people of power and influence to come out and speak," Durant explained. "It's great to see a lot of athletes coming together and trying to direct a positive path for a lot of kids and a lot of people in this country who look up to us."。
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