Throughout the protests across the United States surrounding police brutality against minorities since the death of George Floyd, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and it’s players have been supporters of Black Lives Matter. Specifically, players have voiced their opinions on the murder of Breonna Taylor by three police officers on March 13, 2020.
Last week, the three officers were not charged with the death of Taylor, causing eruptions across the country and many NBA players.
The athletes showing frustration included Lakers superstar Lebron James, who posted “I’ve been lost for words today!” in a lengthy thread on Twitter.
“I’m devastated, hurt, sad, mad! We want Justice for Breonna yet justice was met for her neighbors apartment walls and not her beautiful life. Was I surprised at the verdict. Absolutely not but damnit I was & still am hurt and heavy hearted! I send my love to Breonna mother, family and friends! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry!!”
James has been at the forefront of athletes voicing their opinions in the fight against police brutality.
The NBA was one of the first sport leagues to come back after COVID-19 suspended their season. Since its restart, the league has shown support of the Black Lives Matter movement through boycotts of games and wearing social justice phrases across the black of their jerseys. Other players such as C.J. Mccollum of the Portland Trailblazers have worn shirts before the games to voice their frustration with the way Breonna Taylor’s death was handled by the law.
Golden State Warrior Head Coach Steve Kerr released a statement referring to the court ruling as demoralizing. “It’s just so demoralizing, so discouraging,” Kerr said. “And I just keep thinking about the generation American kids of any color. Is this the way we want to raise them? Is this the country we want to live in?
Denver Nuggets Head Coach Mike Malone also had comments on the court ruling, and tied it back to Colorado’s own police shooting of Elijah Mcclain.
“When I think about the tragedy of those police officers getting off, it also makes me think a lot closer to home, Elijah McClain, his case in Aurora, Colorado, how we’re still demanding justice for the police officers who were involved in the death of Elijah McClain. That is still not the case,” Malone said.
The NBA and its players, along with other sporting leagues such as the WNBA continue to speak their mind and show their frustration in the handling of the Breonna Taylor case, using their platforms to spark life in a country eager for justice. — Joey Balleweg
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