NBA player Jonathan Isaac has once again made headlines for his outspoken stance on social issues. This time, the Orlando Magic forward is turning heads by praising conservative commentator Matt Walsh and his provocative documentary, Am I Racist?, which takes a satirical look at the current diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) movement. Isaac, who has been no stranger to controversy in the past, shared his thoughts on the film and criticized modern anti-racist ideologies in a social media post.
Jonathan Isaac’s Shoutout to Matt Walsh
Isaac, known for his unapologetic viewpoints on political and social matters, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his thoughts on Matt Walsh’s latest documentary. In his tweet, Isaac not only praised the film but also took a jab at what he considers the absurdity of some modern anti-racist ideologies.
“Gotta take the hit and shoutout the @realDailyWire film ‘AM I Racist’ we can agree that racism is a terrible evil that still exists in the hearts of people of every shade AND laugh at the lunacy of many modern anti-racism folks and ideologies! Let your hair down and go laugh lol white, black, and in-between. They did a good job! @MattWalshBlog,” Isaac wrote.
This comment from Isaac underscores his belief that while racism remains a significant issue, some modern approaches to combating it may be overblown or misguided. His endorsement of Walsh’s satirical take on DEI has resonated with many who share similar conservative viewpoints, while drawing criticism from others who see the film and Isaac’s comments as downplaying the importance of racial equity work.
Jonathan Isaac: A History of Controversial Stances
Isaac’s praise of Walsh is not surprising to those who have followed his career. The NBA forward has been an outspoken member of the Republican Party and has often voiced his opposition to what he calls the “woke movement.” His views came to the forefront during the NBA bubble when Isaac was the only player to remain standing during the national anthem, at a time when players across the league were taking a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Isaac explained his reasoning at the time, stating:
“I believe that Black lives matter. A lot went into my decision. ... It’s my thought that kneeling or wearing a ‘Black Lives Matter’ t-shirt don’t go hand in hand with supporting black lives. … I feel like Black lives are supported through the gospel, all lives are supported through the gospel.”
His refusal to kneel or wear a Black Lives Matter t-shirt ignited debate, with some applauding his stance on individual choice, while others criticized him for seemingly missing the larger message of the movement.
The UNITUS Clothing Brand: A Stand Against the Woke Movement
Isaac’s activism extends beyond social media and basketball. In 2022, he launched his own clothing brand, UNITUS, which aims to offer faith-based, value-driven apparel to those who share his conservative beliefs. The brand, which has a distinctly anti-woke messaging, offers products like T-shirts, hoodies, and even a signature line of shoes called “Judah,” named after Isaac’s middle name.
“When we give our money to companies that don’t support our values, we’re cosigning their message,” Isaac told Fox News in an interview last year. “What I wanted to do was give Americans, freedom-loving Americans, faith-loving Americans the option to buy with their values.”
This venture is not just about fashion for Isaac—it is a continuation of his mission to push back against what he sees as the overwhelming influence of the woke movement in American culture. For many who support his vision, UNITUS provides a tangible way to express their values in a world where corporate messaging can often seem at odds with their beliefs.
A Divisive Figure in the NBA and Beyond
Isaac’s outspokenness on political and social issues has cemented him as one of the more polarizing figures in the NBA. His decision to remain unvaccinated during the COVID-19 pandemic also made waves, putting him in a small group of NBA players who chose to forego the vaccine despite league-wide encouragement.
For Isaac, these decisions stem from a deeply held belief in personal freedom, faith, and his interpretation of the gospel. Whether it’s refusing to kneel during the national anthem, launching a clothing brand that defies the mainstream, or publicly supporting conservative thinkers like Matt Walsh, Isaac has made it clear that he’s unafraid to stand against the tide of popular opinion.
The Larger Impact of Isaac’s Advocacy
While Jonathan Isaac continues to perform on the basketball court, his influence extends far beyond sports. His comments and actions have sparked larger conversations about race, freedom of expression, and the role of athletes in the cultural and political spheres.
Isaac’s critique of anti-racist ideologies, combined with his endorsement of Matt Walsh’s controversial film, will likely continue to stir debate among fans and critics alike. Whether you agree with his stance or not, Isaac has firmly positioned himself as a voice for conservative values in a predominantly liberal sports world.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.