Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard calls out fan who questioned his presence at BLM protest

A Portland Trail Blazers fan commented on a photograph showing Blazers point guard Damian Lillard at a recent Black Lives Matter protests, and Lillard wasn’t having any of it.

“I’m confused,” wrote the Twitter user. “He didn’t want to play in the season if his team wasn’t in the playoffs due to safety, but he is marching in the streets with thousands of people, taking off his mask?”

The fan’s account has since been locked off to the public, but screenshots of the comment can be seen in the Twitter thread.

Dude went and locked his account with a quickness didn’t he. pic.twitter.com/hgMWBYkUyD

— Jeff Alerman (@JeffAlerman) June 9, 2020

The Twitter user in question was referring to a weeks-old statement from Lillard, who spoke out about a proposed return to NBA regular-season games. The star point guard had stated he would “not play in meaningless games” should the Trail Blazers return to play without a shot at a playoff spot.

Lillard was spotted locking arms with the front line of Black Lives Matter protesters in Portland last week.

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  • Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard joins Portland protest

Often outspoken and a leader of Rip City, Lillard wasn’t going to just ignore this hot take.

“Don’t be confused. I didn’t wana play if I didn’t have a chance to make the playoffs. Safety was always a part of the risk,” said Lillard. “So if I’ll risk my safety for a game I’m for damn sure gone risk it for my people. Still confused?”

Don’t be confused. I didn’t wana play if I didn’t have a chance to make the playoffs. Safety was always a part of the risk. So if I’ll risk my safety for a game I’m for damn sure gone risk it for my people . Still confused? https://t.co/6AagbUlpol

— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) June 9, 2020