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J.R. Smith laments lack of outrage over police shootings vs. anthem protests

Justin Ford / USA TODAY Sports

J.R. Smith may still be without a contract for the 2016-17 season, but that won't stop the veteran guard from speaking out about the recent spate of police-involved violence against black men.

Smith is alluding to the negative reaction athletes like Colin Kaepernick have received from some quarters for various protests of the American national anthem at games.

Related: NBA sends players memo encouraging positive change

Kaepernick has gone on record as saying that he won't stand for the anthem of a country that oppresses people of color.

The latest police-involved death of an apparently unarmed black man came Tuesday in El Cajon, Calif., when officers shot and killed Alfred Olango after responding to a 911 call from his sister about a man acting erratically. Relatives of Olango said he was "mentally challenged."

Smith's tweet quotes Christian rapper Lecrae, who posted it after videos that showed the police shooting of Terence Crutcher were released.

It was reported last week that a number of NBA players are prepared to take part in Kaepernick-like protests.

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