Gregg Popovich Talks on Spurs Players Potentially Protesting the National Anthem

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich said he won't stand in the way of any players who choose to protest during the national anthem once the regular season begins. 

Speaking during the team's media day, Popovich told reporters he won't discourage his players from kneeling while "The Star-Spangled Banner" is playing. The San Antonio Express-News' Jabari Young shared a clip of Popovich's comments:

Popovich also praised San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for sparking discussion about important social issues, according to the San Antonio Express-News' Melissa Rohlin:

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At this point, when somebody like Kaepernick brings attention to this, and others who have, it makes people have to face the issue because it’s too easy to let it go because it’s not their daily experience. If it's not your daily experience, you don't understand it. I didn't talk to my kids about how to act in front of a policeman when you get stopped. I didn't have to do that. All of my black friends have done that. There's something that's wrong about that, and we all know that. What's the solution? Nobody has figured it out. But for sure, the conversation has to stay fresh, it has to stay continuous, it has to be persistent, and we all have a responsibility to make sure that happens in our communities.

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In the past, the 67-year-old has taken steps to help his players expand their worldviews beyond the basketball court.

Last October, he invited John Carlos to speak to the team. Carlos, along with Tommie Smith, created one of the most iconic images in sports history when he raised his fist on the medal stand at the 1968 Summer Olympics.

In January, Popovich asked director Spike Lee to arrange a special showing of his film Chi-Raq, which centers on gang violence in Chicago. Lee posted a photo on Instagram of the event:

Many are wondering how NBA players will react in the aftermath of Kaepernick's protest. His movement has spread to other NFL players and United States women's national team star Megan Rapinoe, who took a knee before an international friendly.

Last week, the NBA and National Basketball Players Association released a joint memo in the hope of finding ways the two parties can work together to effect change, per the Associated Press (via USA Today).

"These ideas are based on the actions many of you have already taken or supported, including convening community conversations in NBA markets to engage young people, parents, community leaders and law enforcement in a candid dialogue," read the memo in part.