Given the cyclical climate of senseless acts of violence lately, and particularly now with sports as part of the crux of the conversation, the NBA’s forthcoming 2016-17 season is anticipated because of more than just entertaining basketball. The world will initially be looking to the NBA players and how they respond to the national anthem, which carries over from NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s latest protests.
NBA players had begun actively speaking out in efforts to address the issues of police shootings before Kaepernick’s protests became forefront conversation. Most prominently were LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul at the beginning of the ESPYS.
Anthony followed up by organizing a community panel with other pro athletes and law enforcement. Wade has remained outspoken in his desire to see more social activism, as have others. In response, the NBA and the NBPA have been working together to support players in their efforts to enact more productive and positive social change in their communities.
via Marc Spears of ESPN:
The @NBA & @NBPA have been working together on the actions talked about in following letter obtained by @TheUndefeated for some time, source pic.twitter.com/R9bYqJqz3U
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) September 22, 2016
The national anthem protests are the hottest topic on the surface, and that’s being worked on as well, via Brian Windhorst of ESPN:
NBA & union to work together to manage protests. It’s against NBA rules to not stand for anthem but league has supported social commentary
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) September 22, 2016
During a time when so many social issues are not just affecting the climate of the country, but the climate of sports and entertainment, the NBA as one of the world’s most popular brands is expected to conduct a certain standard. Still, it appears that players are being granted the kind of support needed in order to continue pursuing efforts of social change in their communities.
