2020 has been in shambles, and a lot has happened since the NBA paused their 2019-2020 season. Covid-19 caused the NBA season as well as the rest of the nation to come to an abrupt stop. The pandemic unfortunately isn’t the only thing we are battling.
The world is rallying behind the deaths of Ahmad Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. Justice has been demanded all over the world to bring their killers to justice. All of these victims were killed by a white person or at the hands of the police. This has caused a lot of racial tensions.
NBA players believe that much more should be done, things that are bigger than basketball. Some players have been on the fence about restarting the season in July. The league is showing support and commitment to the movement and cause by considering to allow players to swap out their last name for social messages.
The NBA and NBA Players Association were tossing around the idea, The Athletic’s Shams Charania tweeted on Saturday night.
The NBA and NBPA are planning to allow players to replace the last name on their jerseys with statement on social justice, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 28, 2020
Players like Kyrie Irving felt the league needed to do more. He wants other athletes to join him in boycotting. I wonder if this consideration will change Kyrie and others minds about playing. Stephen Jackson, who was close friends with George Floyd feels that players should sit the rest of the season out.
Kyrie Irving told NBA players on call Friday, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium: “I don’t support going into Orlando. I’m not with the systematic racism and the bullshit. Something smells a little fishy.”
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 13, 2020
While some believe sitting the season out is a good way to protest there are other players who feel that sitting the season out will silence them. Austin Rivers said that the money made from the games can be used to support the Black Lives Matter movement. He also made note that not every player is on a $141 million contract like Kyrie, so not everyone can afford to take a year off.
The NBA was still working on the details as late as last night. Details were sent to the players about the plans to move forward and work with Nike. No further details have been reported at this time.
NBPA sent players initial details on the plan tonight, stating it is working with the league and Nike. NBA and the players union have been discussing various ways to allow players to express social justice issues in season restart. https://t.co/vw1RW2Z6Vj
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 28, 2020
Some fans had some ideas of their own for the jersey names. We know Twitter never disappoints. Check some of these out.
“Defund the police to Black Lives Matter, back to Defund the police, up for the layup, OHHH BLOCKED BY I CANT BREATHE.” https://t.co/qhCXOYPlWC
— Λｌｅｘ² (@UCLALonzo) June 28, 2020
ben simmons’ jersey gonna say “don’t shoot” https://t.co/Ywl7zMWr60
— አlpha (@_lpha) June 28, 2020
Mission accomplished. https://t.co/afCAmV6zkS pic.twitter.com/i5WUaz3sPs
— kev (@kevkage_) June 28, 2020
