Jeremy Lin has never been afraid to speak out on issues beyond the basketball course, particularly race and Asian-American bias.
The 32-year-old point guard addressed his feelings about the startling rise in crimes geared toward Asian Americans in a conversation with NBC Sports Bay Area about race in America.
“After a while I feel bad,” Lin said, after discussing a recent video where an elderly Asian man is tackled to the ground. “I feel bad for someone who harbors hate for somebody else who they’ve never met just based on skin color, or, I don’t even know. It makes me want to do something and it makes me want to educate people …speak out and find ways to make a difference.
“Honestly, it goes from anger to just heartbreak.”
Lin, who currently plays for the Santa Cruz Warriors in the NBA G-League, sounded off on former President Donald Trump last year after he made references to the coronavirus as the “Chinese Virus” or “Kung Flu.”
The point guard is one of the most distinguished Asian NBA players in league history and his voice has been a critical one among players who have taken a leading role in speaking on racial issues within the country.
“I’ve always said that in the long run, it can’t only be Asians caring about Asian issues, or African Americans caring about African-American issues,” he said. “If, as minorities, we want the majority to understand what it’s like to live a minority experience, and to sympathize and change, we as minorities also have to collaborate, unify and use our voices and stand up for each other. There has to be solidarity on that front.”
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM Sports
Twitter | Facebook I Instagram