Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry admitted that he took exception to Kevin Durant’s comments about the shoe brand that he’s endorsing, saying he met with his teammate to clarify and iron things out.
Earlier, Durant, a Nike endorser, declared during an interview on The Bill Simmons Podcast that "nobody wants to play in Under Armours,” despite knowing that Curry is an endorser of the brand.
In an interview with Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer, Curry said he told Durant that his opinion on Under Armour is based “on his experience growing up in the Nike business.” Last month, Durant told Simmons that nobody wants to play in Under Armour, and the top kids all want Nike.
Durant almost joined Under Armour as an endorser in 2014 when he was offered a 10-year deal worth $250 million. However, Nike topped the offer, signing Durant to a contract worth $300 million to stay.
Recently, Nike launched Durant’s KDX Red Velvet sneakers, which cost $150.
Curry said no rift with Durant
Curry added that while Durant is entitled to his own opinion about the competition, his pronouncement about Under Armour “does not ring true at all.” Compared to four years ago, Curry said more people are choosing Under Armour now over the competition.
“Where we were four years ago, and where we are now—you can't tell me nobody wants to wear our shoes. I know for a fact that they do,” Curry stressed.
Curry clarified that Durant’s comments about his shoe brand did not anger him nor will they create a rift between them.
“It's nothing that's going to break up the locker room,” said Curry, who will be teaming up with Durant as they go for a second straight NBA title.
Curry defends Colin Kaepernick
During the Charlotte Observer interview, Curry expressed his belief that free-agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick should be playing in the NFL.
“If you’ve been around the NFL, the top 64 quarterbacks, and he’s not one of them? Then I don’t know what game I’m watching,” said Curry, a known fan of the Carolina Panthers who defeated Kaepernick’s former team, the San Francisco 49ers, 23-3, in their home opener on Sunday.
Curry also posted a “#FreeKaep” message on his Instagram account in support of the embattled quarterback who’s still unemployed after turning free agent in March.
According to Curry, while the NFL was shocked by Kaepernick’s protest by kneeling during the national anthem last season, this should not be taken against him and he deserves an opportunity to play.
“He’s in his prime and can make a team better,” said Curry.
