Since taking a stand for the “Black Lives Matter” movement, the NBA inserted themselves in the thick of the racial justice conversation, going so far as to boycott some of the Orlando bubble games in August.
While a lot of folks responded with support and gratitude, others criticized the NBA and its players for taking the focus away from sports and daring to challenge the political landscape.
The season is over now, as it the climax of the BLM campaign, but Sixers star Tobias Harris recently sent out a Tweet on the subject, questioning why some were so quick to discredit the political opinion of pro-players.
I’m a bit confused, so because we play in the NBA and have a salary we can’t talk politics? But how you earn your salary as a doctor, janitor, lawyer, teacher, plumber, store manager, cashier, entrepreneur, server etc. automatically makes you more qualified to discuss politics?
— τobias Harris (@tobias31) October 20, 2020
A lot of people have pointed out that basketball is often an escape for fans from the troubles of this world. When they tune in to watch a game, they don’t want to be bombarded with a political message.
Still, it’s important to remember that these players are just as qualified to talk about the issues of the nation than anyone else. And it’s respectable that they are using their platform to fight for values they believe in.
Let’s just hope that next year, boycotts and on-court messages won’t be necessary and we can all enjoy an uninterrupted season of basketball.
