The NBA and its players association released a joint statement yesterday following the conviction of former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.
Chauvin was found guilty on counts of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter after a Minneapolis jury found him responsible for the death of George Floyd.
There were worldwide protests against racial injustice following Floyd's death in May 2020, with numerous NBA players taking on a major role and attending protests around the country.
The entire Basketball league supported the cause after playoff league games resumed late last year displaying "Black Lives Matter" on courts during the restarted season while players were allowed to wear social justice phrases at the back of their jerseys.
Most basketball athletes used their influential position in the society to raise their voices and influence other American citizens to speak up on the harsh racial and other social injustices they were facing in the country. They even embraced taking a knee before the first whistle of the game to showcase silent protest against racial inequality and social injustices.
The murder of George Floyd in May triggered a wave of support in criticisizing racism and social injustices across all sports as all athletes in various sports joined the silent protest by taking a knee before kick off.
The message that was sent across the globe by the athletes to all governing bodies to take action against any form of social injustice and police brutality on anyone and highly hoping that there will be change in the society about such issues.