Kevin Durant sparred with a former ESPN reporter who's become a vocal conservative over his decision to not visit the White House
Thearon W. Henderson/Getty
Kevin Durant made news on Thursday when he announced that he would not be going to the White House should the Warriors be invited. In a conversation with ESPN's Chris Haynes, Durant said "I don't respect who's in office right now," and added that he did not believe his teammates would accept an invitation either, though an official decision in that regard has not yet been made.
There were those that heard this news and were disappointed, including former ESPN reporter Britt McHenry.
McHenry, who was let go from ESPN in April, has since suggested that her ousting from the network was due to her conservative views, and has leaned into sharing those views on social media.
McHenry disagreed with Durant's decision, and took the thought to Twitter, arguing that if Durant wanted to show real leadership he would meet with the president and share his concerns.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/898564057824808960
If issue (fairly) is divisiveness in the USA, then use celebrity & platform to come together. Great leaders meet, not shun invitations to WH
Durant, who has been more active on Twitter since winning his first championship with Golden State, had a simple reply.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/898584177901158400
boo hoo. Sad story.....keep tellin me more ????
The two appeared to have another back-and-forth, though it seems to have been deleted.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/898600898628210693
And more pic.twitter.com/b4DcsidMYM
Durant is not the only NBA star to have come out against the president; earlier this week LeBron James made what is likely his strongest rebuke of the president yet.
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/897562037102026752
Hate has always existed in America. Yes we know that but Donald Trump just made it fashionable again! Statues has nothing to do with us now!
The Golden State Warriors are scheduled to play in Washington on February 28, but as of now the chances of a White House visit seem slim.