Charles Barkley Says Steph Curry’s White House Controversy “Sets a Bad Precedent” 

On Saturday, Charles Barkley spoke out against Steph Curry’s stern take on visiting the White House. The Hall of Famer, who is known for his controversial hot takes, discussed the situation in an interview with NBA TV, saying Curry’s decision “set a bad precedent.”

“I think it’s unfortunate,” Barkley said of the incident between Curry and Trump. “I think that it’s an honor and a privilege to go to the White House, no matter who the president is. It’s an honor and a privilege. Also I thought it would have been an opportunity for those guys to sit down and talk to the president about some of the issues and concerns they had.”

“If I got a chance to sit with the president, I think we are all concerned about police brutality. I’m concerned about DACA. That would have been a chance – they could have negotiated a sit down, instead of just coming to do that formal stuff, where you – he stands there and you get your jersey and everything. But it’s unfortunate. It’s just really sad to be honest with you. It’s an honor and a privilege. With guys not going to the White House because they don’t like who the president is, I think that sets a bad precedent.”

On Friday, Curry sat down with reporters for Warriors Media Day to discuss the team’s visit to Trump’s White House to celebrate their recent NBA Championship. Although, Curry made it clear that he did not want to go, he said the decision would be made as a team and organization. However, upon learning of Curry’s position on the matter, Trump took to Twitter to fire off an attack on the baller.

“Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team. Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is withdrawn!” Trump tweeted, prompting a slew of responses from fans and colleagues of the athlete. In turn, the Warriors released a statement acknowledging Trump’s statement, revealing that they will use their trip to D.C. for something more positive and inclusive.

“While we intended to meet as a team at the first opportunity we had this morning to collaboratively discuss the potential visit to the White House, we accept that President Trump has made it clear that we are not invited,” the statement read. “In lieu of a visit to the White House, we have decided that we’ll constructively use our trip to the nation’s capital in February to celebrate equality, diversity and inclusion – the values that we embrace as an organization.”