David Robinson faced racism years after retiring from the NBA: 'Still some people assume the worst about me'

Despite living in the 21st century, there is a harsh reality in which many black NBA players face racial slurs and discrimination during their careers, and even someone as composed and respected as David Robinson wasn’t immune to such experiences. Unfortunately, the racial prejudice Robinson endured didn’t just end with his playing days. Shockingly, when “The Admiral” faced an unexpected episode of racism, he wasn’t shocked. Instead, he claimed that such episodes have been happening for countless years to the members of the Black community.

The Admiral faced racism even after his playing days were over

After retiring from the league in 2003, the 1995 MVP co-founded his invested company, Admiral Capital Group, which not only attained success but also aimed to give back to the community. Despite his post-basketball endeavors, the former Defensive Payer of the Year encountered blatant criticism. In one incident in New York, an older woman unabashedly told Robinson that she thought he was about to rob her after they bumped into each other on the streets.

Speaking to ‘CNN Business about the incident, the 7’1” center admitted that some people expect the worst from him simply because he is ‘Black.’

“I’ve had a lot of success,” Robinson said. “And still some people assume the worst about me.”

Robinson knew such incidents were happening for years with the Blacks

The 10-time All-Star highlighted that these moments, however appalling, are part of a more significant, systemic problem - one that has affected Black communities for centuries. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of education in combating institutional racism, which, in his view, has been a problem that has always remained deeply rooted in America.

“Part of the challenge is to help people understand that this is not just happening now. It’s bubbling to the surface more, but black people are aware of this all the time,” Robinson added. “If you are not giving us a good education then what options do you have? Black people are running a 400-meter race when everyone else is starting at the 200-meter line, It’s all built into the system and that is not something that escapes us.”

Reflecting on high-profile incidents like the George Floyd case, the two-time NBA Champion stressed the urgency of addressing systematic racial issues and implementing meaningful change. His point was clear - if such a demeaning misconception could be attached to someone as successful as him, imagine the constant bias and prejudice regular members of the Black community had to live with.