Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown believes US president Donald Trump has made racism in sport "more acceptable".
The 21-year-old revealed he has suffered sickening racist abuse at the hands of basketball fans and said Trump has made it "easier for racists to speak out".
"Some people think racism has dissipatedor no longer exists. But it's hidden in more strategic places. Trump has made it a lot more acceptable for racists to speak their minds," he told the Guardian.
Trump was named 'the most powerful man in sport' due to his 'angry, loud and visceral rhetoric.' Photo / Getty
"I've had people call me the n-word ... I've had people come to basketball games dressed in monkey suits with a jersey on."
"I've had people paint their face black at my games. I've had people throw bananas in the stands," said Brown.
Brown said although racism still existed in America, there were more opportunities to speak out, praising former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for his efforts in protesting against social injustice.
Colin Kaepernick knelling for the national anthem. Photo / Getty
"People are now a lot more aware, engaged and united in our culture. It takes a special person like Kaepernick to force these changes — because often reporters and fans say: 'If you're an athlete I don't want you to say anything," said Brown.
Soon after the protests took place Trump suggested the NFL suspend players if they chose to kneel for the anthem, calling the peaceful protest "disrespectful".
Brown also pointed toward Trump's Twitter feud with LaVar Ball, regarding the detainment of LiAngelo Ball in China, as an example of why he believes Trump's priorities are "out of whack".
"He [Trump] demanded a thank you. It's ridiculous. What happened to people doing things out of the generosity of their heart or because it was the right thing to do?" Brown told the Guardian.
"There have been multiple situations where it's been ridiculous but that one was like: 'OK I'm done. I'm done listening to anything you have to say."
"I just think Trump's character and some of his values makes him unfit to lead. For someone like him to be president, and in charge of our troops? It's scary to be honest."
Trump was recently named SportsBusiness Journal's 'most powerful man in sport' because of his "angry, loud and visceral rhetoric that divided the sports industry and caused massive reaction, response and reflection".
