Los Angeles (AFP)
A group of 40 to 50 players expressed their doubts on the merits of a resumption of the NBA season at the end of July in Orlando, for reasons as much health as family and societal, in the context of the fight against racial injustice, ESPN reports on Thursday.
For the time being, none of these players, some of whom play in teams applying for the title, have formally expressed their wish not to participate in the appointment set this summer at Disney World, but this prospect seems to have to be anticipated by the league, under an agreement established with the players' union (NBPA).
This would establish that players, whose particular health conditions expose them to an increased risk of contracting the coronavirus, can withdraw from Orlando. And those who mention other reasons for not going there will also be able to do so without incurring sanctions, but will not receive the salaries corresponding to their participation in matches.
Among the concerns expressed by this group of hesitant players, especially come the prospect of being separated from his family for weeks, isolation on the Disney World site without being able to get out and being subject to limited travel, the risks persistent pandemic-related injuries and injury after too short a preparation time.
According to the well-informed journalist Adrian Wojnarowski, protests in the United States against racial and social injustice, resulting from the crime of George Floyd, "also play a role", with many players wishing to continue actively fighting this fight.
Suspended since March 11 due to the pandemic, the season is due to resume on July 31, with 22 teams all gathered in Florida to play matches behind closed doors, until October 12 at the latest.
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