NBA, NBPA: ‘Extend The Ongoing Fight Against Systemic Racism, Police Brutality’
Saturday, June 27, 2020 at 03:35PM By Barry Janoff
UPDATED July 6, 2020: ESPN: The NBA and the National Basketball Players Assn. have reportedly agreed on social justice messages that can be displayed on the back of jerseys.
The 29 different messages are intended to help keep the focus on social justice, police brutality and systemic racism.
NBA players decided not to use the names of those who have died in police custody or in racially motivated incidents on the backs of their jerseys.
The list of the approved suggested social messages for the back of the NBA jerseys:
Black Lives Matter; Say Their Names; Vote; I Can't Breathe; Justice; Peace; Equality; Freedom; Enough; Power to the People; Justice Now; Say Her Name; Sí Se Puede (Yes We Can); Liberation; See Us; Hear Us; Respect Us; Love Us; Listen; Listen to Us; Stand Up; Ally; Anti-Racist; I Am A Man; Speak Up; How Many More; Group Economics; Education Reform; and Mentor.
June 27, 2020: The NBA and the National Basketball Players Assn. said they have finalized a “goal of taking collective action to combat systemic racism and promote social justice.”
Leaders from the NBA and the NBPA said they “discussed strategies to increase Black representation across the NBA and its teams, ensure greater inclusion of Black-owned and operated businesses across NBA business activities, and form an NBA foundation to expand educational and economic development opportunities across the Black community.”
According to the NBA and NBPA, “In recognition that long-term change can only come from an informed and sustained commitment, conversations regarding these efforts will continue and additional details will be released at a later date.”
The proclamation follows NBA players nationwide leading and participating in marches and public ceremonies on Juneteenth; and LeBron James founding with other athletes “More Than A Vote” to encourage voter registration and expose situations that aim to keep minorities from voting.
The NBA has released a PSA, “The Truth Is: Black Lives Matter,” with numerous league stars, offering, “The truth is, racism is everywhere.The truth is silence is not an option. The truth is we need to do better and be better. We will promote equality. We will stand for change. Because the truth is Black Lives Matter.”
The shared goal comes as the NBA is about to restart the 2019-20 season, halted in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Disney World Resort, Orlando.
“We have worked together with the Players Association to establish a restart plan that prioritizes health and safety, preserves competitive fairness and provides a platform to address social justice issues,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said via the league.
According to Michele Roberts, NBPA executive director, “Our platform in Orlando presents a unique opportunity to extend the ongoing fight against systemic racism and police brutality in this country.
“We will continue to work with our players and the league to develop specific plans in Orlando as well as long-term initiatives to bring about real change on these issues.”
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