First and foremost, shout out to y’all who have been in the thread over the past 24 hours. I appreciate the live updates, for better or worse, but more importantly everyone except for the trolls perspective on the matter
. Since before the restart was announced we’ve been talking about the concept of sports as a "distraction". Regardless of your stance, the fact that it is even up for debate is exactly why yesterday was important.
For one, yesterday’s strike brought social injustice issues to the forefront in a way that could have never happened without The Bubble. Two, it was a clear illustration that WE yield more power than THEY want us to realize. 14 black men and Kyle Korver brought the sports world to its knees and got the entire country’s attention. I hope that the NBPA can come away from this with a meaningful win but the greater message is still powerful - if we act together, we can make serious noise.
As was said earlier, I absolutely don’t believe black people should be the ones to solve racism nor do I think it should be the job of professional athletes to ensure murderers are arrested or that police reform bills are passed. However, the NBA players demonstrated by taking a collective stand and through coordinated efforts we can create momentum. That’s easier said than done on a macro-level but there are well-established groups that are working in this space and players should be collaborating with them and/or getting owners to provide funding. Hell, I even believe there’s ways for each one of us to contribute in helping the movement inch forward in our own lives.
Yesterday’s unprecedented move spooked a lot of white people in power beyond just NBA owners. It’s getting public reactions from Wisconsin government officials, CEOs, Obama, Kushner, etc. THEY know we are fed up and hungrier than ever for change which is why they are going to extreme lengths to silence our voice, defame our character and take away our vote which is why we need to turnout in November.
Be safe fellas and keep your head on the swivel out there for Karen’s and cops. It’s unfortunately yet another burden we have to carry but our lives depend on it