Kyle Lowry on Donald Trump's Muslim Ban: 'It's Absolute Bullshit'

Kyle Lowry was asked to repeat his comments without the use of profanity, with a reporter looking for a more television-friendly response. The Toronto Raptors point guard declined. Asked about US President Donald Trump's immigration ban on travel for those from seven predominantly Muslim countries, Lowry wore his feelings on his sleeve with a simple, coherent message.

"I think it's bullshit. I think it's absolute bullshit," Lowry said. "Our country is the country of the home of the free. For that to happen is bullshit. I won't get into it too deeply but personally I think it's bullshit.

"Y'all have to bleep that out. That's how I feel about it. If you use it, you use it. I'm sure you can bleep it out."

Kyle Lowry's comments on President Trump's — Mark Sheldon (@markdsheldon)January 30, 2017

Lowry is not the first member of the NBA fraternity to speak out, as his comments come on the heels of strong messages from NBA head coaches like Gregg Popovich, Steve Kerr, and Stan Van Gundy. Raptors bench boss Dwane Casey joined the chorus at Monday's practice, too, urging caution in the face of sweeping reform.

"I don't like it. I think it's something that, our nation, the US is a nation of immigrants. Everybody's there from somewhere else. And we have to be careful… Just to put a blanket ban over a lot of Muslim countries that we have no issues with, we have to be careful.

"It's scary because it kind of reminds you about what happened back in the 60s, when I was growing up. Again, I'm a US citizen, a proud US citizen, but we have to be careful how we're handling our business in the states."

Casey also shared condolences for those affected by the terrorist attack on a mosque in Quebec City on Sunday, something that has changed the discourse from just being about the United States to now including Canada. The Raptors consistently express gratitude about the chance to play in Canada.

"First of all our thoughts go out to all the people in Quebec," team president Masai Ujiri said. "It's very unfortunate that stuff like this is happening in Canada and all over the world. I'm finding it difficult to absorb some of this stuff from the ban to everything that's going on."

Ujiri was emotional in speaking about the travel ban for nearly 10 minutes. This is close to home for him, and he didn't shy away from speaking openly about the ban or the potential impact this could have in developing countries. Born in Nigeria, Ujiri spends a great deal of his time attempting to pay opportunity forward through his work with Giants of Africa and Basketball Without Borders, and an offseason camp with Luol Deng in South Sudan remains in his plans despite Sudan being one of the countries falling under the ban.

While he plans to continue that work, Ujiri was visibly angry as he questioned whether the promises being made are suddenly empty.

"When you go and do those things, or even in Basketball Without Borders, we have kids that come from all over the world. What does that mean? Are we lying to those kids when we say we are giving them hope or teaching them or going to help them grow or give them opportunity?" he said. "We're outright lying to them now. I just don't get it. It's mind-boggling. I just don't get it.

"I'm a prime example of what opportunity is in this world, basically. Canada has given me opportunity, America has given me opportunity. That's what this world is about."

Ujiri using his substantial platform is not new, nor is it new for voices in the NBA to speak up in trying times. It is still not the norm, though, and Lowry's directness will surely stand out (he was the top trending topic in Canada on Monday afternoon, for example). For Lowry, it's not about getting involved in politics but about doing what he feels is right.

"I think everyone in the world who has a voice has an obligation to speak out," he said. "I think that is why we have the amendment for freedom of speech. I think everyone can say and speak their hearts."

The Raptors did that Monday. And difficult as it very clearly was for him, Ujiri tried to remain positive and express a message of hope.

"We always get through these tough times, I think," he said. "You know, that's how human beings are cut. I think we'll get through it. I think President Obama said the core of us will survive this. Everybody is going to stomach this and figure out a way to survive this."