ICYMI: Cavs' Shumpet to Donate to Charity for Each Steal Instead of Taking a Knee During National Anthem

CLEVELAND, OH — Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert rapped in his new song titled “His Story” that he planned to follow the lead of Colin Kaepernick by taking a knee during the National Anthem when the Cavs NBA season gets underway. In the song, Shumpert raps, "you best believe I'm going to take me a knee for the anthem."

But instead of taking a knee during "The Star Spangled Banner," Shumpert has decided to "donate money and time towards a foundation(s) striding to improve the struggle between the badge and the citizen."

Shumpert explains on Instagram that his decision was inspired by his daughter:

Take a good look at my daughter Iman Tayla Shumpert Jr. The moment she was born was the day I saw the world a lot different. All day I wonder how can I raise her the right way and teach her the right lessons. I can't explain to her what's going on these days between the badge and the people. The badge was made to protect us, not scare us.#stealthefear #stealfear #weprayforpeace

Shump also sent out a challenge to all sponsors and athletes to match his contributions to the cause by helping families and communities affected by the killings and violence. He also acknowledged Kaepernick for raising awareness but said that he no longer believes that taking a knee is the answer.

"As big as an awareness Kap has raised by taking a knee and the bravery it took for so many to follow I also understand those that fought for that flag have nothing to do with whats going on in our society today and I no longer believe taking a knee is the answer," he wrote in the Instagram post.

Shumpert will start his #stealthefear campaign when the Cleveland Cavaliers kick off the season on Oct. 25 against the New York Knicks at Quicken Loans Arena.

Photo by Erik Drost via Wikimedia Commons CC BY 2.0