Damian Lillard Is Pro-Vaccine, But Doesn't Fault People Wanting To Research

BY Erika Marie 1.6K Views
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Damian Lillard
"If it's a way for me to protect my family and the people that I love, I'ma do it," says the basketball star.

The great COVID-19 debate has been a staple in headlines, on social media, and real-life discussions as millions discuss whether or not they will receive the vaccine. The choice is a personal decision, but as reports of the rise in cases and deaths increase, the divide is widening. Nicki Minaj stirred up controversy with her testicle-swelling allegations that turned into an international incident.

The conversation has shifted to the sports arena, once again, as leagues are setting in stone how to manage both vaccinated and unvaccinated players simultaneously. LeBron James recently revealed why he and his family decided to get vaccinated, and now Damian Lillard is sharing his story.

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"I think it's a—I'm not mad at people for saying 'I need to do my research,' or they gotta take the steps that make them comfortable. I have a lot of people in my family that I'm tight with and I spend a lot of time around. I'm just not gon' put them, their health or their lives in danger." The basketball star added that when he was a child, he was given several vaccines that he nor his parents researched.

"I had to get shots my whole life," he added. "I couldn't tell you one thing about any of them. So, if it's something that, you know, I've had people in my family actually die and people actually lose their lives to it. I'm not—if it's a way for me to protect myself and the people that I love, I'ma do it."

Watch Lillard explain his stance below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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