The NBA and its players have taken multiple steps to promote social justice, racial equality =, and the Black Lives Matter movement. From putting statements on jerseys to writing “BLM” across the court, and to boycotting a few days worth of games, the league has been at the forefront of the fight for justice, even if it hasn’t always worked in their best interest.
But with the players back on the court and speaking very little of the cause they were willing to sacrifice so much for, it appears some protesters want to see them take action.
Following today’s Rockets vs. Lakers game, a crowd of protesters surrounded and blocked a media buss as they demanded action and attention from NBA stars.
#BLM protest outside the media bus on way back to the hotel blocking bus. pic.twitter.com/4r6EsKwitP
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) September 13, 2020
Protestors were asking for help from NBA players. One sign mentioned @russwest44
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) September 13, 2020
With chants of, “Black Lives Matter,” the protest was against the Orange County Sheriffs Department against the killing of Salaythis Melvin. Deputies shot and killed the 22-year-old black man in the Florida Mall’s parking lot last month.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) September 13, 2020
Black Lives Matter protesters are blocking a media bus on its way back to the hotel at the Disney campus.
(via @ChrisBHaynes)pic.twitter.com/QqwTBNYjtE
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 13, 2020
Salaythis Melvin was another victim of a tragic shooting by police, this time in Orange County, Florida. The protesters are demanding attention and action be taken by these players, who (again) have been among the loudest voices in the fight against police brutality.
It remains to be seen how or if the players will respond, but considering how active they were in all of this just a few short weeks ago, it’d be interesting to hear only silence from them now.
