David West Speaks on National Anthem Protests, Race Relations in America

Golden State Warriors forward David West believes the racial problems in the United States go much deeper than what San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick has discussed in recent weeks.

The 13-year NBA veteran provided his thoughts on race relations in the country during an interview with reporters Monday, as Anthony Slater of the Mercury News shared:

"There is a certain way that this society interrelates to one another that does not speak to the humanity of black people in this country," West said. "That has been a beginning issue, and that is something that I feel is the most important issue."

West discussed Michael Brown's death in Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014, noting the victim was dehumanized in the aftermath. West also pointed out he has dealt with police violence since he was nine years old.

The forward stood two feet behind his teammates during the national anthem before Golden State's preseason game Saturday, an act he has repeated for years, according to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated.

Kaepernick has been protesting oppression against minorities during the national anthem since August, mostly focusing on police brutality. However, West believes there are more issues to worry about in the U.S.

"What about education? What about infant mortality? How about how we die younger and our babies die sooner?" West told Spears. "We die. [Black men] have the shortest life expectancy. C’mon, man. The health care system? There are so many [issues]."

On Monday, the 36-year-old also pointed out he has already warned his seven-year-old son about potential racial issues, as Slater shared:

"It's not something that's easy. It's not something that's going to go away overnight," West said of racial tension. "But I think the human element of it has got to be the first step."