Steph Curry's Brita-sponsored visit to Oakland school draws criticism despite positive message

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Warriors' superstar Steph Curry was in Oakland Tuesday talking to a group of students about the benefits of drinking water instead of sugary drinks.

No harm there, except that the event was sponsored by Brita and some say that kind of promotion doesn't belong in the schools.

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Curry Tuesday allowed students to pour water over him, which is what makes him on of the most likeable guys in sports. Many see him as a role model with a clear sense of what's important to him.

"He's a great leader, a man who play basketball and he's good at it," said Martin Luther King Elementary School student Ahmir Corbett.

The Warriors basketball star came to Martin Luther King Elementary School in Oakland to pitch water instead of sugary drinks. Students seem to be getting the message.

"Because it will keep you healthy," one student said.

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But not everyone thought it was appropriate for Curry to be here. It's not that they don't agree with Curry's message, they do. But what they don't like is that his message is sponsored by Brita water filters.

Brita, which is owned by Oakland-based Clorox, paid for Curry's appearance and donated Brita products to the school.

"It is selling our children, it's creating our children as products for these companies," said Trish Gorham of the Oakland Education Association.

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Curry has said he's rejected other sponsors, selecting only the ones he feels passionate about. "I'm very privileged and blessed to have that opportunity, so I want to take advantage of it," Curry said.

The school principal didn't mind all the freebies, she says as long as someone is validating her work.

"It meant there is someone else who believes in the work that we're doing in this community," said the school's principal Roma Groves.

Curry never once endorsed the Brita products to these students.

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