Faced with the “events in Minneapolis,” NBA players are speaking coyly

It was only six years ago, but it seems like another time. 2020, death George Floyd thus caused a wave of protests made by the NBA one of the main spokespersons.

We were then at the end of Donald Trump’s first term and many undoubtedly thought that the bracket would end in wakes. The opposite has happened and Donald Trump’s second term is going even further… while the voices of protest are becoming more and more timid. Especially in the NBA.

So it was a little more than Steve Kerr etc Doc Rivers to take a stand against the use of ICE agents, the anti-immigration police.

After the death of Renee Goodwho was shot and killed in her car by an ICE agent, the Wolves certainly observed a moment of silence, but remained very cautious in their statements. After the death ofAlec Prettywho was also killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, the NBA postponed the game against the Warriors by a day to ensure “the safety and security of the Minneapolis community”. Without mentioning the origin of the problem.

Yesterday, while the city of Minneapolis became a laboratory tension strategies Donald Trump, the city’s sports franchises, as well as businesses, finally released a joint statement.

“In view of yesterday’s tragic events, we call for immediate de-escalation”

“In light of yesterday’s tragic events, we call for an immediate de-escalation of tensions and ask federal, local and state authorities to work together to find concrete solutions”so this text declares always very cautious, while the NBA players’ union (NBPA) went into action.

“Now more than ever, we must defend the right to free speech and stand in solidarity with Minnesotans who are protesting and risking their lives to seek justice.”we can read in the NBPA announcement. “The NBA fraternity, like the United States itself, is a community enriched by its citizens around the world, and we refuse to allow the flames of division to threaten the civil liberties that are meant to protect us all.”

Steve Kerr also had a hard time looking forward to his team’s win in Minnesota, at “one of the strangest and saddest matches” in which he could participate.

“As Americans, we are not perfect and never have been” he sums up. “But our ideals were right, just like our values. Regardless of your political opinion, it is very important today, given the extremism we can experience, to remember the values ​​contained in the Constitution, related to citizenship, the value of caring for each other.”

In a sign of the times, the strongest message came … from the Wolves trampolining corps, who wore “Ice Out” T-shirts during their team’s meeting with the Warriors.