Grant Hill wasn’t born in Baltimore himself, but his connection with the city runs very deep.
The NBA Hall-of-Famer’s father was born in Baltimore and Hill would often spend time in the city with his family and friends.
That is why when President Trump ripped the city and its congressman in a series of posts on social media, Hill was one of many around the country who took offense.
“It hurts. It’s unconscionable to think that the President of the United States would say that about a segment of the population,” Hill told CNN’s Van Jones on Sunday afternoon. “I have great memories and fond memories of my time in Baltimore, my grandparents, and spending summers there.
“Obviously Baltimore has gone through some challenges and struggles, like most cities have, in recent years, but the people there are good people.”
Trump attacked congressman Elijah Cummings (D-Maryland) over the weekend for not helping his “disgusting, rat and rodent infested district,” which includes the city of Baltimore.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
The biggest obstacle for Hill was explaining all of this to his children.
“It’s one of those things that, as a parent with young children, it’s hard to sort of explain,” Hill said on CNN. “It’s been ongoing. It’s been that way for the last three and a half years, really since the last election cycle.
“The idea that, regardless of who voted for you or not, you’re president for the entire country.”
