What American sportsmen think of Donald Trump's 'Muslim ban'

You may not like their sports but you have to love their political stance

A number of American sports personalities have come out condemning US President Donald Trump in the wake of his controversial travel ban on people from some Muslim-majority countries.

"If we're trying to combat terrorism by banishing people from coming to this country, [we're] really going against the principles of what our country is about, and creating fear," said Golden State Warriors coach Kerr, whose father, Malcolm Kerr, was shot in 1984 while serving as president of the American University of Beirut.

"It's the wrong way to go about it. If anything, we could be breeding anger and terror. I feel for all the people who have been affected. Families are being torn apart, and I worry in the big picture what this means to the security of the world."

US football team captain Michael Bradley was also scathing in his criticism, saying: "When Trump was elected, I only hoped that ... President Trump would be different than the campaigner Trump. That the xenophobic, misogynistic and narcissistic rhetoric would be replaced with a more humble and measured approach to leading our country.

"I was wrong. And the Muslim ban is just the latest example of someone who couldn’t be more out of touch with our country and the right way to move forward."

Sabre fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, who famously wears a hijab while representing the US, tweeted: "Our diversity makes our country strong #NoBanNoWall."

Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy, in comments to The Detroit News, compared Trump's ban to World War II moves such as US internment of people of Japanese heritage and Adolf Hitler's extermination of Jews.

"It's starting to get really, really scary," said Van Gundy. "Now we're judging people by their religion — trying to keep Muslims out. We're getting back to the days of putting the Japanese in relocation camps, of Hitler registering the Jews. That's where we're heading."

Toronto Raptors coach Dwane Casey, 59, recalled to CBS Sports growing up in racially segregated Kentucky and said Trump's ban reminded him of Ku Klux Klan rallies.

"It's scary because it kind of reminds you about what happened back in the '60s when I was growing up," said Casey.

Raptors president Masai Ujiri, a native of Nigeria, was stunned by the ban.

"I think it's just ridiculous," said Ujiri. "I just don't get it. This is mind-boggling. I'm a prime example of what opportunity is in this world."

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Ryan Harris also chimed in, saying: "This is exactly from the playbook of hatred and divisiveness. But I believe, and others I spend my time with, believe in the love of another human being and continue to support others who are marginalised."