Wednesday, 15 May 2024

NBA and NBPA Advance Talks on Social Justice Efforts

Yesterday, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, NBA Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Oris Stuart, and other league officials met with NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts, NBPA President Chris Paul, NBPA First Vice President Andre Iguodala, and several players to discuss the league’s collective response to social justice issues in our country. This meeting was part of ongoing discussions between the NBA and the Players Association to address the game’s role in facilitating solutions to the persistent inequities plaguing the Black community.

Commitment to Address Racial Inequality

The NBA and NBPA are committed to fostering an environment that encourages candid conversations between players, league, and team leadership, and finding tangible and sustainable ways to address racial inequality across the country. The group that met yesterday agreed in principle that the goal of the season restart in Orlando will be to take collective action to combat systemic racism and promote social justice. Conversations also covered strategies to increase black representation across the NBA and its teams, ensure greater inclusion of black-owned and operated businesses in NBA activities, and establish an NBA foundation to expand educational and economic development opportunities in the black community.

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While specific plans were not finalized, there was broad alignment about the direction and priorities of the efforts, especially with regard to supporting players’ activism and leadership. Recognizing that long-term change can only come from an informed and sustained commitment, ongoing conversations regarding these efforts will continue, and additional details will be released at a later date.

Players Taking a Leadership Role

“The issues of systemic racism and police brutality in our country need to end,” said Chris Paul. “As a union of NBA players and as a league, it is our job to use our collective platform to both shine a light on those issues and work towards change. As players, we have taken a leadership role in using our voices and implementing practical solutions, but there is still much work ahead, both in Orlando and in the long term, to continue the momentum and bring about real, lasting change to our society.”

“The league and the players are uniquely positioned to have a direct impact on combating systemic racism in our country, and we are committed to collective action to build a more equal and just society,” added Adam Silver. “A shared goal of our season restart will be to use our platform in Orlando to bring attention to these important issues of social justice. We look forward to ongoing conversations with the players and their association about our joint league-wide initiative and thank Michele, Chris, and the other players for their leadership in creating meaningful, long-term change.”

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Attendees

In addition to the aforementioned individuals, attendees for yesterday’s meeting included NBA President of Social Responsibility & Player Programs Kathy Behrens, NBA Senior Vice President of Player Development Greg Taylor, NBA Senior Vice President of Content Business Operations Kori Davis Porter, NBPA Foundation Executive Director Sherrie Deans, Malcolm Brogdon of the Indiana Pacers, CJ McCollum of the Portland Trail Blazers, Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz, and Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks.

FAQs

  • Q: What is the goal of the NBA and NBPA’s collective response to social justice issues?

    • A: The goal is to take collective action to combat systemic racism and promote social justice.
  • Q: What strategies were discussed to address racial inequality in the NBA?

    • A: Strategies include increasing black representation across the NBA and its teams, improving inclusion of black-owned businesses, and establishing an NBA foundation for educational and economic development opportunities in the black community.

Summary

The NBA and NBPA are actively working together to address social justice issues and combat systemic racism. They are committed to fostering an environment that encourages open discussions and finding tangible ways to address racial inequalities. The goal of the season restart in Orlando is to take collective action and bring attention to these important issues. The players have taken a leadership role in using their platform to effect change, and ongoing conversations will continue to shape the efforts. The NBA and its players are uniquely positioned to make a direct impact and create a more equal and just society.

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