NBA NEWS

NBA notebook: James, Curry will stand for anthem

The Sports Xchange

September 26, 2016 at 4:27 pm.

Sep 26, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) talks to the media during media day at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 26, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) talks to the media during media day at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

NBA superstars LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors support Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel in protest, but they plan to stand during the national anthem before games.

“I’m all in favor of anyone athlete or non-athlete being able to express what they believe in in a peaceful manner and that’s exactly what Colin Kaepernick is doing and I respect that,” James said during Cavs’ media day. “I think you guys know when I’m passionate about something I’ll speak up on it, so me standing for the national anthem is something I will do, that’s who I am, that’s what I believe in. But that doesn’t mean I don’t respect and don’t agree with what Colin Kaepernick is doing.”

Curry also said he plans to stand during the national anthem and talked about the recent events in the country, including in Charlotte, N.C., where a police shooting of 43-year-old Keith Lamont Scott last week sparked outrage and violent protests.

“I respect everybody’s voice, everybody’s platform,” Curry said. “About Charlotte, it’s another opportunity for people to use their voice. You don’t want it to ever turn violent.”

–Miami Heat president Pat Riley said he believes star forward Chris Bosh has played his final game for the team.

Riley told reporters the team is no longer working toward Bosh’s return.

The Heat announced Friday that the 11-time All-Star would not be allowed to participate in their preseason training camp after failing a physical and remaining unable to return to basketball activities.

Asked whether he felt Bosh’s NBA career is over, Riley said, “That’s up to him.”

–The Los Angeles Police Department continues a criminal rape investigation against New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose, who is scheduled to go to court next week in a civil case.

In a letter obtained by ThinkProgress.org, the LAPD detective in charge of the case wrote a letter to the unnamed accuser’s attorney attempting to clear up reports that Rose was not under investigation.

The civil trial against Rose and two friends is scheduled to begin on Oct. 4. In July, a federal judge denied Rose’s motion to dismiss the case. Rose, who turns 28 on the day of the civil trial, is being sued for $21.5 million.

–Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul Pierce announced he will retire at the end of the 2016-17 season, his 19th in the NBA.

The 38-year-old Pierce made the announcement in a post published by The Players’ Tribune. Pierce said he is eager to win a championship with the Clippers.

–The Brooklyn Nets signed free agent forward Chase Budinger and guard Jorge Gutierrez.