After the death of Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin, we saw NBA players put on sweatshirts with hoodies and Tshirts in order to create awareness about the injustices that plague our communities. And in trying to take those efforts even further, CBS Sports reports The NBA has given players the green light to replace their names on their jerseys with personalized messages that address social justice.
By ESPNThis message could include phrases known as “Black Lives Matter” or “I Can’t Breathe”, or show the names of the victims of police brutality, such as Breonna Taylor or George Floyd. The NBA has maintained that social justice will be a priority when the season resumes in July, and the decision to allow players to wear this message was made in conjunction with NBA sportswear sponsor Nike.
“We’re just trying to keep shedding light on the different social justice issues that guys in our league continue to talk about day after day,” NBA star Chris Paul saying Undefeated. “People say that social justice will be out of everyone’s mind in Orlando. With these shirts, it doesn’t go away. “
Las Vegas Aces star Angel McCoughtry announced a similar campaign last week on the WNBA.
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“I am currently working with him [Las Vegas Aces] and @wnba to use our voices, our uniforms and our sport to continue to impact and create real change, “he posted on Instagram.” I am creating a petition (LINK IN BIO) to allow players to put the FIRST AND LAST NAME OF HUMAN BEINGS who have been injured or killed in incidents related to POLICE BRUTALITY! “
It is unknown if the WNBA will allow its players do the same, but Paul is “passionate and excited” to give voice to the voiceless.
“I was thinking about how progressive our league is and how passionate our league players are about different issues,” he said. “Our boys have been marching on the front line and using their platforms. If the boys choose to come to Orlando to make sacrifices and play this game, why not be able to play and say their name at the same time?
As for Memphis Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant, he offered his own suggestion on what to wear to the back of his jersey over the weekend:
On Monday, however, he apologized.
“First I want to apologize for republishing something that was not clearly and exactly conveying what I wanted to share,” he wrote in a statement posted on Twitter. “My post was intended to focus on the bad cops who got away with murdering unarmed black men and women, and those who continue to harass BLACK LIVES MATTER’s peaceful protesters.
“I know there are good ’12’ cops out there. I know some, and some are familiar. I am grateful to the Murray State cops who took care of me and the cops who continue to monitor me with the Grizzlies. WE NEED good police officers to step forward and make sure that other police officers do not abuse their power. “
For the “I refuse to watch football unless they play the anthem!” crowd, you might want to start watching marble runs or something like that because you’re about to have a fall / winter long butt.
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