ALWAYS VOCAL ABOUT RACISM, SOCIAL INJUSTICE, DISCRIMINATION, AND MANY OTHERS, THE NBA AND NBA TEAMS HAVE TAKEN A STAND AGAINST THE WRONGDOINGS OF THE PEOPLE IN POWER.
The case of George Floyd’s murder was one such instance in which the NBA took a strong stance.
George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, was murdered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25, 2020.
While being detained on suspicion of possessing a counterfeit $20 bill.
Derek Chauvin, a white Minneapolis Police Department officer, showed no mercy to Floyd during the arrest.
After being handcuffed and lying face down, he knelt on Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds.
The other two cops helped restrain him, and one cop kept people from intervening.
Floyd begged Chauvin, even saying it was difficult to breathe.
Even people pleaded with Chauvin to let go, but he refused until medics arrived.
Witnesses and security cameras captured the incident, which went viral and sent chills throughout the country.
Such heinous brutality by cops who are supposed to save people drew widespread condemnation and outrage.
After many protests, justice was served when Chauvin was convicted.
The NBA, too, protested police brutality and advocated for George Floyd’s justice.
LAST YEAR, FLOYD’S DEATH STARTED A WORLDWIDE OUTRAGE.
In addition, the NBA has served as a platform for many stars to campaign against social and racial injustice in the last year.
Before each game, NBA players bowed their heads and kneeled during the playing of the United States national anthem while wearing Black Lives Matter T-shirts.
Coaches and game officials joined the players in protesting racial injustice and police brutality.
Chauvin was convicted after a long battle for George Floyd’s justice.
Chauvin was found guilty of unintentional second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
The trial began on March 8, 2021, in Hennepin County District Court in Minneapolis.
The jury selection process began on March 9. Opening arguments were held on March 29, 2021, and closing arguments were held on April 19, 2021.
Chauvin was found guilty of all charges by a jury on April 20, 2021. Sentencing is scheduled for eight weeks after the verdict.
Following Chauvin’s conviction, Judge Cahill revoked his bail, and he was taken into custody by police.
The NBA responds to the Chauvin decision
When Chauvin’s verdict was announced, the entire NBA world reacted.
Michele Roberts, Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association, and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following joint statement today:
“George Floyd’s murder was a watershed moment in our country’s view of race and justice, and we are relieved that justice appears to have been served.” But we also recognize that there is much work to be done, and the NBA and NBAPA, along with our newly formed Social Justice Coalition, will redouble our efforts to advocate for meaningful change in the areas of criminal justice and policing.”
Coaches react to the Decision
Many coaches have mixed feelings about the decision.
“It’s bittersweet,” Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash said. George Floyd died unjustly, as have many others, and we must not forget that people are dying. On the other hand, it is a small gesture of justice and possibly hope for the future in that it suggests that all of the social justice movements, the NBA, the WNBA, and the community at large are having an impact. Whether it’s small and creating a tipping point, or large and creating a tipping point, it gives hope that the voices of many are making a difference and we have a better future for our children.”
Stan Van Gundy, coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, keeps it real
New Orleans Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy kept it real, calling Tuesday’s guilty verdict “an important day for our country,” but admitting it was difficult to find reasons to celebrate and acknowledge that there is still work to be done.
“We had someone killed needlessly right in front of us,” Van Gundy said. “Right in front of all of us because it’s on video.” And no verdict would change that. And, while it is just, it is difficult to rejoice. It’s also difficult to rejoice because similar incidents have occurred since George Floyd’s death.
“I guess what you’re wondering is, will any of this change anything?” Is it going to make a difference? It was a fair decision. Will it, however, have broader implications? Will it compel or motivate us to investigate better policing and the enormous problem of racial justice? Is it going to do any of that, or move us forward on any of it? Is this just a one-time decision based on clear video evidence?
“I applaud the just verdict, but it’s difficult for me to celebrate where it all began.” George Floyd is still dead, and people have died since then, and there is no overwhelming confidence that this is a step in the right direction and not an isolated incident.”
Chris Finch, coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, reacts
Similarly, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch stated that his players felt “relief” after the guilty verdict was read.
“I know there was a lot of anxiety surrounding the team over the last few days, not only about the verdict but also about what might happen to our community,” said Finch, who was in Sacramento with his team for Tuesday night’s game against the Kings. “We all have families and friends who are still there, so there is a lot of concern.” I haven’t had the opportunity to connect with them all individually yet, which we intend to do because we all have different schedules as we arrive at the arena and prepare for the game.”
Finch acknowledged that the trial, as well as the police shooting of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, last week, have made it difficult for many of his players to focus on basketball.
“I think it’s something that they have to deal with every day,” Finch said. “We see visual reinforcement of what’s going on, whether it’s national guards in our street or protests in Brooklyn Center.” These are things we can’t avoid — and it’s perfectly fine not to think about basketball when we’re thinking about the bigger issues in life that are right in front of us and that we’re trying to deal with as a community.”
NBA teams issue Statements
The Oklahoma City Thunder issued the following statement following the conviction on Tuesday:
“Today’s verdict provides some justice for the Floyd family, but it is only one step in the long process of ending system racism in our country.” The Thunder is committed to working to end racial injustice, and we are all responsible for helping to improve on this moment in our country’s history for today, tomorrow, and future generations.”
The Golden State Warriors also stated in response to the verdict.
NBA players react to the Decision
“Today demonstrated the power of community,” NBA former player Dwayne Wade said. “The job is not finished.”
As he reacted to the verdict, LeBron James emphasized the word accountability.
“Let’s hope that one day, justice for all will feel normal and not like a celebration,” Rudy Gobert tweeted.
According to Jeremy Lin, it is a good start, but the road to justice is far from over.
Many NBA players simply tweeted the words “Justice” and “Justice served.”
Meanwhile, Jamal Crawford believes it will be a long road to justice.
The National Basketball Coaches Association formed a committee to address racial inequality and reform.
NBA WORLD TOOK A STAND AGAINST SUCH WRONGDOINGS AND INSPIRED AND MOTIVATED FUTURE GENERATIONS TO DO THE SAME.
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