LA Clippers’ head coach Doc Rivers made another powerful social justice statement.
Once again the eyes of the nation turn towards the ongoing fight for social justice and once again the NBA leads the way among professional sports in both words and actions. LA Clippers’ head coach Doc Rivers added powerful words of his own in his post-game press conference after yesterday’s win over the Dallas Mavericks.
Every game inside the bubble has featured the court decorated with a powerful “Black Lives Matter” message. Today, the playoffs were put on hold as players strike to protest the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Last night, Rivers gave an emotional plea while speaking about not only the shooting of Blake but the seemingly countless similar unjust killings that have come before.
“We keep loving this country and this country doesn’t love us back.”
— ESPN (@espn) August 26, 2020
Doc Rivers got emotional while talking about Jacob Blake being shot by police and social injustice. pic.twitter.com/qQI2Ld2DGI
A powerful message from a coach that does not hesitate to speak his mind and an organization that continues to be outspoken in regards to social issues and continues to be on the right side of history.
Recently, Clippers center Montrezl Harrell wore custom sneakers to bring awareness to the killing of Breonna Taylor by Louisville Police. Clippers players, including Harrell, have chosen to wear social justice messages on their jerseys to help add to the discussion happening around the country.
NBA players and coaches are using their platform as high-profile athletes and entertainers to speak out about issues that matter to them and should matter to so many more people. By not only speaking out but choosing not to play they are taking a stance and calling others to action to demand change, accountability, and to call for it immediately.
Some critics want professional athletes to stick to sports or “shut up and dribble.” By refusing to listen to them and rather using their voices in solidarity players around the NBA show the true power and influence they have in the public eye. Some things are more important than sports, or business, or money. The players are showing they realize this and will not stand quietly and allow injustice to happen without speaking up, and hopefully inspiring others to do so as well.