Kobe Bryant Criticizes Donald Trump for Causing 'Division and Anger'

Mike Chiari @mikechiariFeatured ColumnistSeptember 23, 2017

FILE - In this June 9, 2016 file photo, retired NBA basketball player Kobe Bryant poses at the 2016 AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute to John Williams in Los Angeles. The recently retired Lakers superstar will be honored by the Los Angeles City Council, which has declared Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2016

Chris Pizzello/Associated Press

Legendary former Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant criticized President Donald Trump in a tweet on Saturday.

Bryant specifically expressed doubt regarding Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan:

Kobe Bryant @kobebryant
A #POTUS whose name alone creates division and anger. Whose words inspire dissension and hatred can't possibly "Make America Great Again"

Bryant's comments came on the heels of Trump making headlines for uninviting the Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry to the White House and criticizing NFL players who protest during the national anthem.

Trump tweeted about Curry no longer having an invitation to the White House on Saturday:

Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team.Stephen Curry is hesitating,therefore invitation is withdrawn!

On Friday, Curry said he would vote against the Warriors visiting the White House, as seen in this video courtesy of ESPN's Chris Haynes:

Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Stephen Curry doesn't hold back on whether he'll vote to visit White House. https://t.co/n2PBAtYQdA

Curry's comments came after head coach Steve Kerr said Thursday that the Warriors would make a team decision regarding a potential White House visit, per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

Trump also said on Friday that NFL players protesting during the anthem is "hurting the game," according to ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert.

The president had even harsher words for protesters as well, saying: "Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out. He's fired! He's fired!'"

Bryant is among the most respected and successful athletes of his generation, having spent all 20 of his NBA seasons with the Lakers.

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Kobe is an 18-time All-Star and five-time NBA champion, and since retiring he has been heavily involved with The Players' Tribune.