Steelers' Ryan Harris on Trump's immigration ban: 'Playbook of hatred and divisiveness'

Thirteen months after taking a stand against anti-Muslim rhetoric, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Ryan Harris finds himself speaking out against the actions rather than just the words of President Trump.

Harris, who converted to Islam in his youth, told The Denver Post on Sunday that he was disheartened by Trump's decision to sign an executive order banning immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen) for 90 days.

“Hate crimes have been escalating since the election,” Harris, who used to play for the Denver Broncos, told The Post. “Even here in Denver, reported swastika graffiti has increased. These are things that we understood from the language that some of our elected officials use and have used. 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 marginalized.”

Trump's order also shuts down the entire U.S. refugee program for 120 days and bans all Syrian refugees indefinitely.

“What’s sad is being a victim and being a terrorist is the same today,” Harris said.

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In December of 2015, Harris told USA TODAY Sports that, although he had found acceptance through the NFL and in his community, he feared an environment of hostility toward Muslims.

“In all of my years of being Muslim, I feel this is the most tense it's been in terms of Muslims having a lot of fear," Harris told USA TODAY Sports Not as much me — I mean, I'm 300 pounds, I'll be OK. But for the Muslim woman who wears a hajib and goes to work, or the Muslim kid in school right now, it's tough."

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