Stephen Curry Calls Out Under Armour CEO Over Donald Trump Comments

Stephen Curry is the latest athlete to comment on President Donald Trump, and the Golden State Warriors guard was prompted by a remark made by Kevin Plank, the chief executive of Curry’s primary sponsor Under Armour.

Steph Curry Slams UnderArmour CEO Over Trump Comments

Plank called Trump “a real asset” to America in an interview with CNBC on Tuesday.

Curry responded with a witty retort in an interview with the San Jose Mercury News on Wednesday: “I agree with that description, if you remove the ‘et.'”

The MVP, one of Under Armour’s highest-paid endorsers — expressed surprise at Plank’s remarks, adding he had spent all day Tuesday speaking with representatives from the sports apparel company and his own advisers, “trying to understand what was going on and where everybody stood on the issue.”

Plank’s comments on the President also led to backlash on social media. Many consumers and others began voicing their disapproval of the brand by tweeting their opinion on the remarks and using the hashtag #boycottUnderArmour.

Following this back-and-forth between Curry and Plank, Under Armour issued a statement Wednesday in the hopes of clarifying its CEO’s words. The statement said Plank’s remarks to CNBC addressed Trump’s business policies, not his social opinions.

“We engage in policy, not politics,” the statement read. “We believe in advocating for fair trade, an inclusive immigration policy that welcomes the best and the brightest and those seeking opportunity in the great tradition of our country, and tax reform that drives hiring to help create new jobs globally, across America and in Baltimore,” the company’s headquarters.

Curry, who endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, appeared satisfied with the clarification. The point guard is under contract with Under Armour through 2024.

Curry affirmed his preparedness to leave a company that did not reflect his values by stating:

“There is no amount of money, there is no platform I wouldn’t jump off, if it wasn’t in line with who I am.”

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he was proud of his players for speaking out about political and social issues. “This is a time when people are speaking out,” Kerr said. “This is a time when activism is into the forefront, all over the map.”

Kerr and the Warriors had reportedly considered planning protests similar to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s anthem protest during the NBA preseason.

On Thursday’s episode of Undisputed, Shannon Sharpe, Chris Broussard and Skip Bayless reacted to Curry’s remarks.

“Well this is a very volatile political time that we’re in right now,” said Sharpe. “We’re seeing athletes take more of a stance. No longer will they stand by silently while they see things affecting them, our society.

“You see normally what happens is that we see brands drop players. We saw when Tiger Woods went through his scandal, AT&T, Gatorade, Accenture … they dropped Tiger because it seemed like his values didn’t align with theirs. Well Steph Curry just drew a line in the sand.”

Broussard said that athletes should take the opportunity to engage with the president for the good of the community.

 MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 23: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 23, 2017 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Article by Pablo Mena