Former NBA player Royce White offered blunt opinions on politics, sports media, the WNBA and several high-profile figures during an interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson of ScoopB.com.
White, who said he is running for president of the United States, was asked whether he had been in contact with Enes Kanter Freedom after the two declared for the WNBA Draft in protest of the league’s stance on transgender athletes.
“No, I don’t need to talk to him either,” White said. “I don’t need to talk to no Turk about what’s going on in this country. I’m a foundational Black American, born and raised in America.”
White then outlined several priorities he said would define his political platform.
“People have to understand: mass deportations—20 million foreign invaders as advertised. Secure the elections. Arrest the deep state traitors,” he said. “That’s the type of shit I want to talk about. I’m running for United States President.”
White also spoke positively about Stephen A. Smith, who defended White and Kanter Freedom over their WNBA Draft protest.
“I like Stephen A. He’s a good guy,” White said.
White acknowledged that he had previously been critical of Smith and sports media but said his perspective had changed.
“I have a different respect for Stephen A. Smith’s work in sports now,” White said. “What he’s doing beyond sports can’t even be quantified.”
He added: “His emergence as a political voice from his position as one of the most successful sports journalists in American history is unquantifiable in its importance.”
When Robinson asked whether Smith could win the presidency, White replied: “He’d have to run against me.”
White was also asked about WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who announced her retirement. His response was direct.
“Good. She should,” he said.
Asked about Swin Cash as a potential replacement, White took a more measured approach.
“Big-time name,” White said. “But as commissioner, you have to govern an institution like the WNBA. The name is only part of the battle; it comes down to spirit, motivation, integrity, and intellect.”
White also explained why he believes President Donald Trump’s political message resonates with working-class Americans.
“The political establishment is unmoored from the working-class struggle and has an abstract view of what it means to be human,” White said.
On the economy, White argued that Americans and the government need to reduce spending.
“The average citizen doesn’t have the wages to pursue the American Dream propagandized by the media industry,” he said. “We’re biting off more than we can chew.”
White said his criticism of Trump comes from the right, arguing that the president has not gone far enough on immigration, election security and deep state.
“President Trump is the most moderate version of the MAGA movement,” White said. “My criticism of Trump is from the right: he hasn’t gone far enough.”
White also delivered a harsh response when asked about Colin Kaepernick’s criticism of Jay-Z’s partnership with the NFL.
“F*ck Colin Kaepernick,” White said. “Running around wearing an afro as a costume is corny.”
He later added: “Kaepernick’s protest is actual cover for the establishment.”
