NBA is officially back." data-reactid="16">The NBA has officially returned.
A bubble season focused on social justice and the Black Lives Matter movement opened with a unified declaration of players and referees before both games on Thursday.
Before the game between the big night of the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers stopped, the players of both teams all went to their knees to play the national anthem of the Compton Kidz Club played on video cards.
The coaches and referees also knelt with LeBron James and Anthony Davis linking their arms near the midfield.
The show of unity mirrored the protest before the previous meeting between the pelicans of New Orleans and Utah Jazz.
While a pre-recorded interpretation of the national anthem played by New Orleans-born Jon Batiste, each player and referee on the pitch knelt, with some players keeping their fists raised in the air.
Kneeling not allowed by NBA rules
NBA rules, but players and officials made their plans to do so clear as a form of protest against police brutality and social injustice." data-reactid="29">Kneeling during the anthem is technically contrary to NBA rules, but players and officials have expressed their plans to do so clearly as a form of protest against police brutality and social injustice.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver addressed the subject in a Time 100 talk in June when asked if the league would allow players to take a knee." data-reactid="30">NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the topic in a Time 100 speech in June when asked if the league would allow players to get down on their knees.
“I don’t feel comfortable with the word” allow, “said Silver.” I think we had a rule about our books that dates back to the early 1980s and even precedes David Stern’s mandate as a commissioner requiring players to get in line and pay attention during the national anthem. I also understand the role of the protest and I think we will deal with that situation when it presents itself “.
LeBron James kneels beside Lakers, Clippers players and coaches. (Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images via AP, Pool)
The rule will not be applied
NBA will not be enforcing the rule." data-reactid="45">Silver faced the rule again directly after the tip. The NBA will not apply the rule.
“I respect the unified act of peaceful protest of our social justice teams and in these unique circumstances I will not enforce our long-standing rule that requires us to remain standing while performing our national anthem,” read the note .
As part of the reboot negotiations, players expressed their desire to make social justice a hub of the bubble league after George Floyd died at the hands of the Minneapolis police. All three fields in the bubble are decorated with “Black Lives Matter” and players have the option of wearing a social justice message on their uniforms.
Pelicans turn to their knees
Shortly after the tip, the pelicans issued a statement about the players’ decision to kneel.
“New Orleans pelicans uphold the ideals of free speech and the right to peacefully protest,” the statement said. “Collectively with Utah Jazz, our organization joins the NBA in supporting our players and coaches.
“To promote a significant change from social justice and racial equality, New Orleans pelicans have teamed up with our players, staff and coaches to create a Leadership Alliance for Social Justice committed to promoting discussion, listening and learning and to act to bring about positive changes in our community and our country. “
Meek Mill opens the bubble season with a message
Thursday’s time came shortly after rapper Meek Mill opened TNT’s broadcast with a message of social justice.
Meek Mill was released from prison in 2018 following a controversial violation of probation.
One of his first free man acts was to participate in a Philadelphia 76ers game.
