Paul George voiced his support for the Asian community following a mass shooting at several spas in the Atlanta area this week that left eight people dead, including six women of Asian descent.
"I'm with the Asian community," George said. "I stand with them. I don't believe in any type of hate crime. We're all here to share this world together... It's no point that any race should look at another race any less equal than they are. It's just a crazy time, and a crazy world we live in. This has to stop."
I asked Paul George about the rise of Asian hate crimes:
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) March 18, 2021
"I'm with the Asian community. I stand with them. I don't believe in any type of hate crime. We're all here to share this world together...It's no point that any race should look at another race any less equal." pic.twitter.com/01aqfkZJK3
Several current and former NBA players have joined George in showing solidarity with the Asian community following the shooting, including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Trae Young. Jeremy Lin has become a vocal leader in response to the rise of hate crimes against Asian Americans, revealing that another player in the G-League called him "coronavirus" on the court, referencing a racist trend that blames Asian people for the spread of COVID.
Robert Aaron Long, the 21-year-old who has confessed to the murders in Atlanta, has reportedly tried to say that the killings were not racially motivated, a claim that many have dismissed as inconsistent with the crimes he committed.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!