James Harden Says He Wore ‘Blue Lives Matter’ Mask Because It Covers His Beards

James Harden Explains “Blue Lives Matter” Mask: “I Thought It Looked Cool”

NBA all-star player James Harden has been getting dragged on social media following his controversial face mask at the welcoming party to the NBA Bubble in Orlando, Florida. He’s since been getting dragged over it.

The official Rockets’ Twitter page posted a picture of James upon his arrival in Florida, wearing a mask over his face that was designed to show support for the police force. It is popular among “Blue Lives Matter” people.

He’s since been receiving backlash over it. However, he got supports from Young Thug and Meek Mill who claims he isn’t aware of what the mask means as he’s not a social media type of person.

Mask Up

📸 @NBA pic.twitter.com/PFsIuJybYb

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) July 17, 2020

Just in time, James has responded to the backlash, confirming to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon that he was oblivious to the message the face-covering was conveying.

James Harden said wearing this mask — associated with “Blue Lives Matter” — was not meant to make a political statement. He said he wore it because it covers his beard and wasn’t aware of the association.

“It was just something that covered my whole beard,” he reportedly said. “I thought it looked cool. That was it. Honestly, I wasn’t trying to make a political statement.”

MacMahon added that Harden is looking into ways he can support the Black Lives Matter movement while he is inside the NBA Bubble, including whether or not he will have a message on the back of his jersey.

James Harden said wearing this mask — associated with “Blue Lives Matter” — was not meant to make a political statement. He said he wore it because it covers his beard and wasn’t aware of the association. https://t.co/tz2EsAbs6h

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) July 17, 2020

James Harden: “It was just something that covered my whole beard. I thought it looked cool. That was it.” Harden said he’s in process of determining how he will voice his support for the Black Lives Matter while in NBA bubble, including whether he will have a message on jersey.

— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) July 17, 2020