LA Clippers: Montrezl Harrell will wear “How Many More” message on his jersey
LA Clippers center Montrezl Harrell will wear “How Many More” on his jersey when play resumes.
The NBA is typically at the forefront of professional sports in supporting their players’ right to be outspoken about politics and social issues. Earlier this month, it was announced that the league and Players Association came to an agreement that would allow players the option to display a social justice message on the back of their jerseys above their number. Many players have announced that they will take advantage of this option, including LA Clippers center Montrezl Harrell.
Harrell announced, through his Instagram stories, that he will be wearing the message “How Many More” above his number 5. His wrote:
"“Still using the word you people lmao like we a f*****g object that u can purchase from a store. This world. Don’t us people bleed like you, don’t us people breathe the same air as you do. But yet again the color of our skin tells the story right. That’s why on my uniform I have replaced my name with “HOW MANY MORE”"
Harrell’s powerful announcement speaks on the continuing fight for equality.
The Sixth Man of the Year candidate joins a growing list of players who have chosen from an approved list of social justice messages to bring attention to the ongoing fight against systemic racism and police brutality in the United States.
Players can choose from a list of 29 approved messages to display on their jerseys instead of their names. The messages are: Black Lives Matter; Say Their Names; Vote; I Can’t Breathe; Justice; Peace; Equality; Freedom; Enough; Power to the People; Justice Now; Say Her Name; Sí Se Puede (Yes We Can); Liberation; See Us; Hear Us; Respect Us; Love Us; Listen; Listen to Us; Stand Up; Ally; Anti-Racist; I Am A Man; Speak Up; How Many More; Group Economics; Education Reform; and Mentor.
“The league and the players are uniquely positioned to have a direct impact on combating systemic racism in our country, and we are committed to collective action to build a more equal and just society,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “A shared goal of our season restart will be to use our platform in Orlando to bring attention to these important issues of social justice.”
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With all eyes turned to Orlando for the restart of professional sports after the coronavirus shutdown the NBA has a unique opportunity to raise awareness and push people towards thinking about and acting towards change. The players know this and are using their voices to help spread that message to help make the world a better, more equal place for all.