The New York Knicks played their first preseason game in Houston and during the much-anticipated playing of the National Anthem, the team linked arms-over-shoulders with their Rockets opponents, showing strength and solidarity while acknowledging the controversy attached to the song — embodied by the protests of 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
It was evident from the unity that taking a knee, Kaepernick’s choice, isn’t the only way to make a statement — and fans can expect various versions of this sort of strength and unity display throughout the season. The Knicks represent the largest city in the country, so the team’s profile on issues of race and cultural diversity is a large and important one. Though New York doesn’t crack the top 10 in US cities with the highest percentages of African American residents, it is nevertheless a huge symbol of American diversity and a functioning democratic society.
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— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 5, 2016
