Rapper Young Thug says James Harden was unaware he was wearing a pro-police mask because the Rockets star doesn't have internet

• James Harden faced criticism on Thursday after appearing to wear a pro-police, "Thin Blue Line" mask that critics say is associated with white supremacy.
• Rapper Young Thug came to Harden's defense, saying Harden doesn't have internet and would be unaware of what the mask meant.
• Some athletes have gotten rid of the internet and social media to focus on training; Harden's social media has been inactive recently.
• Harden on Thursday spoke positively of nationwide social injustice protests, calling them "amazing."

James Harden found himself steeped in criticism on Thursday night after the Houston Rockets posted a photo of the guard appearing to wear a pro-police protective face mask.

The mask appeared to be a "Thin Blue Line" design, a pro-police sentiment that critics claim also has ties to white supremacy, according to The Washington Post's Tim Elfrink. The mask would seemingly contradict the Black Lives Matter movement and protests against police brutality that have swept the nation and involved many pro athletes.

While many criticized Harden, including musician Trey Songz, who called it "certified clown s---," rapper Young Thug came to Harden's defense. Young Thug claimed that Harden doesn't have internet and would have been unaware of what the mask meant.

Warning: Explicit language.

"Just so u know James harden is my brada," Young Thug's tweet read. "btw he don't have internet so he obviously don't know what's right or wrong if he posted something that's against US." The tweet appeared to call out Trey Songz's criticism of Harden.

Indeed, Harden appears to be off of social media. His Instagram no longer appears active, and he has not tweeted since May 22.

Some athletes have cut off their internet to focus on training — Jimmy Butler did in 2014, while he was still with the Chicago Bulls. Harden said he used the NBA suspension to get in better shape, and he appeared to have slimmed down during the break.

Harden has not been as politically active as some other players. On Thursday, his first day of practice in the Disney bubble, Harden commented on the protests of social injustice in Houston, Texas.

"The way the city rallied, it was amazing," Harden said (via Fox26's Mark Berman). I think the world saw it. How so many people could come together so close. Obviously it was for a tragic reason. The marching and everything we're standing for is very powerful."

Harden arrived late to the Disney bubble for personal reasons. He told reporters he was still deciding whether he was going to put a social justice message on the back of his jersey for the restart of the season.

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