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‘I Still Stand in Jesus’ Name’: Orlando Magic Player Jonathan Isaac Doubles Down on Anthem Stance

AP Photo/Ashley Landis
AP Photo/Ashley Landis
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By Tré Goins-Phillips
Editor

August 3, 2020

Just days after sparking attention all over the internet, Orlando Magic player Jonathan Isaac is doubling down on his decision to remain standing for the national anthem.

Despite the backlash he’s faced, Isaac is standing his ground.

IT IS WELL!!! 2 Kings 4! Thank you for all of your prayers and concerns I’m encouraged. Remember our God is not just a God of the hills but a God of the valleys! (2 Corinthians ch 4 vs 9!) MY COMEBACK WILL BE GREATER THAN MY SETBACK!!!! I STILL STAND IN JESUS NAME!!!! pic.twitter.com/9Icv0WULQ6

— Jonathan Isaac (@JJudahIsaac) August 3, 2020

What happened?

The 22-year-old athlete became the first and only NBA player inside the bubble to remain standing during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” He also decided not to wear a Black Lives Matter T-shirt, according to CBN News.

During a presser, Isaac explained he does, of course, believe black lives matter. His life, however, is ultimately grounded in his faith in God — not a political campaign.

Orlando Magic player Jonathan Isaac stood alone for the national anthem.

This is what courage looks like. When the rest of the NBA took a knee, Isaac stood with pride for America.

Sometimes, when you stand for what is right, you must stand alone. pic.twitter.com/fl4cb2qbtF

— David Hookstead (@dhookstead) July 31, 2020

“I believe that black lives matter,” he said. “Kneeling while wearing a Black Lives Matter T-shirt [doesn’t] go hand-in-hand with supporting black lives. My life has been supported through the Gospel — Jesus Christ — and everyone is made in the image of God.”

His decision was personal, not a choice intended to make him popular.

“My teammates know who I am and what I believe as a person and they respect me for the decision,” Isaac said. “For me, personally, it’s not coming from a position of wanting to be popular or wanting to be seen. It all came down to what’s in my heart; I stake my flag with Jesus.”

Jonathan Isaac became the first #NBA player inside the bubble to stand during the national anthem. He also chose not to wear a #BlackLivesMatter shirt

After the game the first question he fielded was "Do you believe Black Lives Matter?"

He responded: "Absolutely."

Full answer: pic.twitter.com/SNBVar7pg7

— Daren Stoltzfus (@DarenStoltzfus) July 31, 2020

After making the faith-based decision, Isaac was ridiculed on social media.

Anything else?

Many of the Orlando Magic player’s critics even suggested he deserved the knee injury he sustained during the Sunday game.

Kayte Hunter, a sideline reporter for NBC Sports, rebuked those who called Isaac’s injury “karma.”

“I got a lot of tweets from people saying this was karma,” said Hunter. “That is just a really nasty way — that is not what sports is about. I implore you all to have some decency. That is disgusting to me and I hope to God that Jonathan Isaac can recover quickly and this isn’t as serious as it looked.”

.@kayte_c has a message for those who said Jonathan Isaac's injury was karma pic.twitter.com/WhW9XlsIR7

— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) August 3, 2020

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