Los Angeles sixth man specialist Lou Williams called sports a “distraction” in the current climate of the country following the Black Lives Matter movement.
These comments come as the NBA looks to resume its season while dealing with the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing a few weeks ago.
Williams sentiment echoes that of Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving after a call he held Friday night.
Irving, the vice president of the NBA Players Association, held a Zoom call in which 80 NBA players and a small group of WNBA players joined the discussion of social justice reform.
Among other issues discussed among the group was whether or not both the NBA and WNBA should return to action next month.
There are a number of players, including Irving, that are opposed to playing games and would rather devote their attention to racial oppression and systemic racism.
Williams made his comment on an Instagram post by Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks.
Lou Williams gives his thoughts.
“Sports has been a healing factor, there we agree. In this climate, it’s a distraction.”https://t.co/RH3EQspfX8 pic.twitter.com/uKGxebGWUX— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) June 13, 2020
Rooks also took a screenshot of her tweet on the call hosted by Irving, which primarily focused on the pros and cons of returning to the NBA and WNBA seasons this summer.
Williams said, “Make it make sense, that’s all.”
He went on to reply to a fan by saying, “and we are fighting for a radical change. Sports has been a healing factor, there we agree. In this climate… it’s a distraction. I mean look at your position. You’re dying to get back in the house and drink a beer and watch us hoop opposed to being outside fighting for your equality. That’s just one aspect to look at. ”
Lou Williams, 33, was averaging 18.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 3.1 rebounds per game for the Clippers.