Dwyane Wade says he was 'conflicted' over Donald Trump tweet on his cousin's death
Chicago Bulls guard Dwyane Wade says a tweet from Republican president candidate Donald Trump after his cousin's death left him feeling "conflicted."
Nykea Aldridge was shot and killed on Aug. 26 while she was pushing a baby in a stroller. Authorities say Aldridge was not the intended targe, but two men have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in her death.
The next day Trump tweeted, "Dwyane Wade's cousin was just shot and killed walking her baby in Chicago. Just what I have been saying. African-Americans will VOTE TRUMP!" Trump's first tweet about the shooting had Wade's first name misspelled.
Wade said in an interview on ABC's Good Morning America that he is "grateful that it started a conversation."
"But on the other hand, it just left a bad taste in my mouth because of what my family is dealing with and what our city of Chicago is dealing with and it looks like it's being used as political gain," Wade said.
Wade has been vocal this summer in his stance on social issues including gun violence. The day before his cousin was killed, he and his mother participated in an ESPN panel discussion on gun violence.
At the ESPY awards in July, fellow NBA All-Stars Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and LeBron James joined Wade on stage to urge fellow athletes to take an active stance on social issues.
- Scooby Axson