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Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Two of the NBA's biggest stars are putting sponsors in the backseat when talking about politics. Despite being endorsed by Under Armour, Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry underhandedly called Donald Trump an expletive.
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Earlier this week, Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank said in a CNBC interview that Trump is an "asset" to the United States.
When asked about Plank's comments, Curry told the Mercury News: "I agree with that description...if you remove the et."
On Wednesday, the company released a statement clarifying the comments.
"We engage in policy, not politics," the statement said. "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."
"We have teammates from different religions, races, nationalities, genders and sexual orientations different ages, life experiences and opinions," the statement said. "This is the core of our company. At Under Armour, our diversity is our strength, and we will continue to advocate for policies that Protect Our House, our business, our team, and our community."
Warriors coach Steve Kerr, whose father was killed by a terrorist, has also said he disagrees with the order.
"It's a fine line but it's about how we're operating," Curry told the Mercury News, "how inclusive we are, what we stand for. He's the President. There are going to be people that are tied to them. But are we promoting change? Are we doing things that are going to look out for everybody? And not being so self-serving that it's only about making money, selling shoes, doing this and that. That's not the priority. It's about changing lives. I think we can continue to do that."
Trump's executive order banned all refugees from entering the United States for 120 days, banned Syrian refugees indefinitely and banned entry for people from seven mostly Muslim countries for 90 days.
James also disagrees with Trump's order, which aligns with the thoughts exercised by his friends Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul.
"I am not in favor of this policy or any policy that divides and excludes people," James told the Hollywood Reporter. "I stand with the many, many Americans who believe this does not represent what the United States is all about. And we should continue to speak out about it."
"Diversity is what makes this country so great," James told the Reporter. "We should all continue to speak up and fight for ideas that bring people together regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religious beliefs or any other differences...It's important that we as athletes continue to use the platform we have to speak up for what we believe in."
