Orlando’s Jonathan Isaac became the first NBA player to stand for the national anthem Friday, telling reporters in postgame interviews he was compelled to do so because of his Christian faith.
Up until Isaac’s stance, every NBA player had kneeled with teammates in a show of unity for racial justice. The league restarted its season last Thursday.
Isaac, who is black, told reporters he “does believe in Black Lives Matters” but also believes the answer to society’s problems is Christ.
Isaac, who was the Magic’s first-round draft pick in 2017, also didn’t wear a Black Lives Matter t-shirt.
“A lot went into my decision and part of it is … that kneeling or wearing a Black Lives Matter t-shirt don’t go hand in hand with supporting black lives,” Isaac said during post-game comments.
Isaac then transitioned to faith.
“My life has been supported through the Gospel of Jesus Christ [and] that everyone is made in the image of God and that we all fall short of God’s glory. Each and every one of us, each and every day, do things that we shouldn’t do and we say things that we shouldn’t say. … We dislike people that we shouldn’t hate and dislike. Sometimes it gets to a point where we point fingers, about whose evil is worse. And sometimes it comes down to simply whose evil is most visible,” Isaac said.
“So, I felt like I wanted to just take a stand….
… Read More
Click here to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Christian Headlines.