The Toronto Raptors made a big statement arriving at Orlando for the bubble league in a Black Lives Matter bus.
The team tweeted from their social media account “silence is not an option.”
Silence is not an option. pic.twitter.com/qpn8sMo2nu
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) July 9, 2020
In addition to COVID-19 concerns, many players wanted reassurance they would be able to use the restart as a platform to continue raising awareness on social justice and systemic racism issues.
Many players have already chosen from an approved list of messages for their jerseys and “Black Lives Matter” will appear on court sidelines.
The NBA is set to tip off July 30, with most players joining their teams to finish the season.
Some did choose to sit out the rest of the season due to safety issues and a desire to keep their focus on social justice issues and off-court activism.
Many players such as Jaylen Brown and Enes Kanter joined protests held in the wake George Floyd’s killing and expressed their commitment to helping bring about change.
High profile ballers like LeBron James believe players can continue to do work in their communities and play basketball.
James has been extremely active in social justice causes, community outreach, and nonprofit work while racking up MVPs and titles.
Scrimmage games start Wednesday, July 22 in the bubble.