Los Angeles (AFP)

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told Sports Illustrated that messages against racial injustice and activism in the league and players since the season resumed were "inevitable" and "the right thing. to do".

"I understand the critics who would like to avoid any controversy arising from sport. But it is inevitable right now in our country. I wish there was an easier path for us to follow. But even if there is had any, I don't think that would necessarily be the responsible thing to do, ”Silver said.

Between knees placed on the ground during the national anthem, speeches to support the Black Lives Matter movement, whose words are painted on the floors, slogans and messages displayed on the jerseys, the microcosm of the NBA has been proactive on the field of contesting racial injustices for two weeks that the competition resumed.

"I think our fans are able to sort things out with the words (inscribed) on the floor or the messages on the players' shirts. And even if that is not the case, I think they recognize that these are not simple times, ”he said.

"Our players are not one-dimensional people, and they can both be deeply concerned about the problems facing our country and at the same time exercise their profession at the highest level," he added.

- "Bring the fans back to theaters" -

Last week, superstar LeBron James scornfully brushed aside criticism from Donald Trump, who deemed "disrespectful" that NBA players kneel down during the national anthem to denounce racial injustices, before every game since the takeover at Disney World.

“I don't think the basketball community is sad to lose such a viewer. The NBA is going to go on without them looking at us. I think I can speak for anyone who loves basketball: who cares head over heels, "he said.

Also referring to how the season is unfolding in the Disney World bubble, without any positive Covid-19 case having been identified for almost a month, Silver admitted that "things are going better than what (we planes) considered, "but expressed regret for the eight teams that were not invited.

“I would say my biggest disappointment is that we couldn't find a reasonable way to get the 30 teams out there,” said Silver. "We know that everything here is about compromise, but I feel bad that there are eight teams that don't have that experience."

Turning to the next season slated to kick off in early December, Silver said the league will wait as long as possible to decide how it plays out, depending on the context of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We continue to look at all the different testing methods. We are aware of vaccine developments and other possible protocols to bring fans back to our rooms. Which is our priority," he said.

© 2020 AFP