NBA Sacramento Kings

‘White’ Comment By Nik Stauskas Is No Big Deal

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By @vinnylanni

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Life in the NBA takes some time to get used to. Nik Stauskas is well on his way to a long, productive career at the pro level, but first he needs to learn the ropes. The 21-year-old rookie recently made a comment that spoke about race and divide across all NBA teams, but even though his words weren’t properly stated, he should be given a pass.

Stauskas told the media on Sunday night, “I understand that I’m a rookie and I’m white, so people are going to attack me at all times,” he said. “Just coming out there in the game, I felt it right away,” according to ESPN.

The Sacramento Kings‘ No. 1 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft didn’t want his words to get fans and players angry, but he stood by what he said. Stauskas went on to explain that the odds to make it in the NBA do not fall in his favor. Being a white Canadian in itself already puts him at a disadvantage and I would have to agree with him.

It’s hard living in the age of celebrity athletes nowadays because everything that they say and do is examined under a microscope. Stauskas may not have phrased his words in the best way, but I’m not knocking him for standing up for what he said.

It’s no secret that the NBA is a sport that is dominated by African Americans, so what Stauskas said is not out of left field – his facts are true. The thing is that the media, and the rest of the world, is sensitive whenever someone speaks out about religion, race or any of the topics that may spark controversy. If someone like Kobe Bryant said what Stauskas did then I’m sure it would’ve been taken with a grain of salt.

It’s a pretty hard line to walk when you’re an athlete that represents a brand and an organization. Being a basketball player is more than your on-the-court ability; there is a responsibility to say the right things and do the right things on and off the court.

Stauskas is just a rookie so he is still learning about life as an athlete and a public figure. I’m sure he will choose his words carefully the next time he talks to the media, but like I mentioned, he’s simply saying what is true and making his opinion heard.

Vinny Lanni is a New York Jets writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter or add him to your network on Google.

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