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Many NBA Players Stressing Action Over Symbolism When It Comes To Social Protests

NBA players are "pursuing a different path" than NFL players who are appealing for social justice by protesting during the National Anthem, as they are valuing "action over symbolism," according to Beck & Abrams of BLEACHER REPORT. Knicks F Carmelo Anthony said, “I’m past the gestures. I’m past that. It’s all about creating things now and putting things in motion. So, that’s what I’m on. I’m trying to get guys on board with that and help them understand that -- enough of the gesturing and talking and all of that stuff -- we need to start putting things in place.” Beck & Abrams noted a range of NBA figures have "laid out a different vision for how a predominantly black league, with a long tradition of social activism, will be part of the movement." Players are "still speaking out, but they are eschewing silent protest in favor of actively engaging with law enforcement, civic leaders, children and their communities." The foundation was laid with a "powerful speech" from Anthony, Cavaliers F LeBron James, Bulls G Dwyane Wade and Clippers G Chris Paul at the ESPYs in July. The NBA's action will "continue this season." Several players said that there "remains value to the anthem protests." But none "indicated NBA players would follow suit." In the last few months, teams have "sprung into action," including the Bulls holding a "basketball tournament and panel between law enforcement and a mentoring agency." Meanwhile, Kings C DeMarcus Cousins hosted an event in his hometown of Mobile, Ala., that "featured police and community leaders," while Wade "convened a six-mile unity bike ride through Miami with police officers." The NBA itself will be "conducting about six official events each month, focused on areas such as economic empowerment, mentoring, racial issues and police-community relations" (BLEACHERREPORT.com, 10/24). 

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted the league and the NBPA last month sent players a letter that did not spell out "what was the right or wrong way to protest," but instead focused on "substantive actions we can take in our communities." Silver noted the NBA employs "literally some of the most prominent African-Americans in the world," and said there "may be no organization better situated in the United States to make a difference than the NBA and its players.” The NBA has a bylaw stipulating all players must stand during the playing of the National Anthem, and Silver said the league will "deal with the facts of any particular situation that presents itself” should a player decide to protest (“Mike & Mike,” ESPN Radio, 10/25).

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