Four-time NBA champion, John Salley, who played with multiple teams during his career, including the Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Chicago Bulls, Panathinaikos, and Los Angeles Lakers, has recently revealed his thoughts on carrying a gun.
During his time with the Pistons, he used to carry a gun, and he cited reasons including personal safety. He has recently illuminated a position that is contentious when it comes to gun culture. Salley made his remarks during his interview with DJ Vlad.
He shared, “When I was in Detroit, I always had a gun. Even though I was with my brothers and we had security, I always carried my gun. This is what’s going to happen we in Detroit. I’m not saying I was right but I was ready. So, for some people, we’re Americans, we feel safer with guns… This is the culture – People feel safer with guns.”
The former power forward/center Salley was the first player in the league to win NBA championships with three clubs. When he was with the Detroit Pistons, he has recently conceded that he felt protected while carrying a gun even when he had security as he was part of the team.
He also stated that he wasn’t sure if it was the correct decision or not however he felt prepared and emotionally ready to deal with unfavorable situations. Salley had previously also backed Memphis Grizzlies star player Ja Morant’s stance on gun culture.
Salley was selected in the 1986 NBA Draft in the first round as the eleventh overall pick. His No.22 was retired by the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and his prominent career with the NBA concluded in 2000 with the Lakers squad.
Salley later also shared the phrase, “It’s better to be a warrior in the garden than a gardener in the war.”
John Salley Always Carried Gun When He Was In Detroit: "We're Americans, We Feel Safer With Guns"https://t.co/WUSVpIyoNN
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 6, 2024
The former talent also acknowledged the concerns that are related to carrying ammunition for personal safety and further reminisced about two incidents where he felt his rights were infringed.
One of his incidents was related to when he was with the Miami Heat and another happened when he was in Los Angeles. Salley’s point of view adds another perspective to the ongoing issues revolving around weapon culture.
