Orlando Magic star Jonathan Isaac believes that any time we give our money to woke companies that don’t support our values, we’re “co-signing their message.”
Even if you don’t follow the NBA, you might remember seeing Isaac in the headlines for being the lone player on his team who refused to kneel for the National Anthem.
“I didn’t want to align myself with the Black Lives Matter movement and organization,” he reflected. “And I felt that a true answer to all the problems that we see, not just racism, was the gospel of Jesus Christ. So, I decided to stand up and share it.”
Sensitive to the escalation of progressiveness in all types of companies, but especially sportswear since that’s what he wears, the NBA standout has decided to launch his own clothing line.
Featuring shorts, t-shirts and hoodies, “UNITUS” products are available online. Isaac’s company, according to its website, “brings people together around stylish, high-quality apparel that champions faith, family, and freedom.” They then add, “Together, we’re redefining greatness.”
One of six children, Isaac credits both his mother and father with heavily influencing his faith and broader professional and personal pursuits.
While his parents separated when he was just ten, with Isaac’s mother moving the family from the Bronx in New York down to a safer environment in Florida, he speaks lovingly and appreciatively of his dad.
“My Pops made the Scripture important,’’ Isaac says. “’Train up a child in the way he should go. And when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ He made that true for me. [He] instilled in me a belief and a faith in Christ. It’s helping me now and it’s a big deal for me. I’ll always appreciate him for that.’’
Isaac points out that it was his mother’s decision to move to Florida that triggered his entry into the game of basketball.
“I still can’t believe how much you sacrificed for us!!” Isaac wrote on Instagram. “Me and you have been chipping away at this dream for a long time and I wouldn’t be where I am without your love and support … I love you long time.”
A new environment can sometimes trigger or unleash latent talent and desire, and that’s clearly what happened with Isaac, a transformational turn that was helped by a growth spurt that took him to 6’10” tall.
“When I lived in New York, basketball wasn’t a big thing for me; it was just something I did with my brothers for fun,’’ he said. “But once I got to Florida, that’s when it started to be more serious, playing on teams and stuff.”
The Orlando Magic power forward has endured and absorbed his share of grief for his willingness to stand up and out, but he seems unphased by the criticism. That’s because as a man of deep Christian faith, he knows he’s not playing to please those in the stands or press box but rather his Heavenly Father.
“People respect me for my courage of standing for what I believe in and doing things myself,” he told Fox and Friends on Tuesday. “Yes, I’ve gotten my fair share of negativity. But I like to focus on the positive.”
It remains to be seen in this upcoming season whether Jonathan Isaac will see success on the court, but if he holds true to his Christian faith and convictions, he certainly has a lot to look forward to off the hardwood.
Photo from Getty.
