The NBA and the NBPA yesterday "sent a joint letter to all players" in which the two sides "pledged to work together to find a way to take 'meaningful action' in NBA cities in the wake of the unrest in the country over police shootings and related incidents," according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com. The sides are hoping to "build on the series of town hall events and meetings with local police officials, such as one led" by Knicks F Carmelo Anthony in L.A. in July, to "continue building bonds of trust between law enforcement, players and communities." In the letter, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBPA Exec Dir Michele Roberts "pledged to seek the opinions of players during training camp as they look to develop programs as the new season begins." Players have been "seeking guidance from the union over the last several weeks in the wake of protests during the national anthem in the NFL." It is against NBA rules to "not stand for the anthem." Sources said that the league is "not currently planning to change the rule." But Silver has "supported players' desire to make social commentary in the past" (ESPN.com, 9/21). The AP's Tim Reynolds notes the letter "did not remind players of the NBA's rule saying players must stand." But NBAers have "not been shy about trying to promote social change," as four future HOFers took the stage at the ESPYs in July to discuss the issues (AP, 9/22).
STANDING AS ONE: In Indianapolis, Gregg Doyel in a front-page piece notes the WNBA Fever last night in their playoff opener against the Mercury "knelt in unison" for the National Anthem, marking the "first time an entire team has knelt." The Fever "didn’t tell anyone outside the locker room of their pregame plans, not even coach Stephanie White." Fever C Erlana Larkins said that the idea "started in the Mercury locker room," as Fs Mistie Bass and Kelsey Bone were also planning to kneel. Larkins: "We heard Phoenix wanted to do something, and we just joined in the decision and decided to stand as one.” White said, "Something like this creates conversation, and that’s how we create change. ... People who have the platforms have the ability to affect change, and I’m proud of our group for using the platform in a respectful manner.” Doyel notes three Pacers players sitting courtside for the game, C Myles Turner and Gs C.J. Miles and Rodney Stuckey, "seemed energized by the Fever’s stance." Turner declined to comment, but he "excitedly told the person seated next him what the Fever had done." With NBA training camp starting next week, Miles and Stuckey said that the Pacers "hadn’t discussed the issue," but both said that the conversation "would take place." Stuckey: “We’ll make that decision as a team, just like the Fever did tonight" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 9/22). Fever G Marissa Coleman: "We have a platform, and I think it's a disservice if we don't use it. This was bigger than basketball. As important as this game was, there are other things going on in this world. It's just to get conversations started" (ESPNW.com, 9/21). White during the game was shown on ESPN addressing the team by saying, "I'm proud of y'all for doing that together, being in that together. That's big, that's big. It's bigger than basketball, right?" ("Mercury-Fever," ESPN2, 9/21).
WHAT'S IN STORE? Warriors coach Steve Kerr said that he has "spoken to several members of the Warriors about the ongoing movement, and he said he'll address the issue to his entire team before the regular season begins." He said that he will "support his players if they decide to speak out." Kerr: "As long as the message is clear, I'm all for people speaking out against injustice. Whatever form that takes, if it's non-violent and it leads to conversation, then I think that's a good thing" (USA TODAY, 9/22). Kerr: "One of the best things that’s come out of this is talking about it. No matter what side of the spectrum you’re on, I would hope that everyone’s disgusted by what’s going on around the country" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 9/22). CSNBAYAREA.com's Ray Ratto noted Kerr yesterday "was so pointedly thoughtful that it makes you wonder if he might not end up becoming the first coach [to] join an anthem protest" (CSNBAYAREA.com, 9/21). Wizards coach Scott Brooks yesterday said that he "supports the right to non-violent opposition but also champions that an athlete do more than just take a knee." Brooks: "I’m a believer in peaceful protest in a respectful way. I really think with all that’s going on, change needs to be made. But I’m also a believer that athletes shouldn’t be used as a symbol if they’re not going to put action in place. ... If you’re not going to do something to help make the change, what good is that? To me, that’s shallow and hollow" (WASHINGTON POST, 9/22)
