The Toronto Raptors were clear on media day that they wanted to use their platform and their collective voice to continue the conversation. While the Raptors didn’t follow suit with the growing number of players and teams kneeling for the U.S. national anthem ahead of sporting events, they sent a strong message of solidarity and togetherness, linking arms as they lined up for both anthems ahead of their preseason opener in Vancouver on Saturday.
Like this pic.twitter.com/CmkX37q4kS
— Doug Smith: Raptors (@SmithRaps) October 1, 2016
🇨🇦 #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/jSGwYkmeKo
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 1, 2016
Raptors players coaching staff lock arms for the US anthem pic.twitter.com/EmxCL9uzoc
— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) October 1, 2016
A broader shot with the entire Raptors’ team locking arms during the anthems. pic.twitter.com/T1JiWtYR3j
— Mike Ganter (@Mike_Ganter) October 1, 2016
You can read more about how the team feels about using their platform for positive change here. That feeling that seemed pretty unanimous, from the president on down to the newest acquisition.
