Orlando (United States) (AFP)
Miami star Jimmy Butler had to change his jersey without registration just before facing Denver in the NBA, to don another with his name, while his teammate Meyers Leonard remained standing during the national anthem on Saturday.
Butler was forced to change his jersey at the request of the refereeing body and the match was able to begin. It is also the Heat who won (125-105) at the expense of the Nuggets.
While the NBA allowed players to replace their surname with a message, as part of the fight against racial and social injustices, the winger had wished not to display anything and explained himself just before the meeting.
"I approve and respect all the messages the league has chosen, but for me, not carrying a message or name is like being who I was before. If I wasn't who I am today, I would be no different from any other person of color, ”he said.
"I want that to be my message, as an NBA player. Everyone has the same rights no matter what."
Butler praised the collective momentum that has been occurring since Thursday to show massive support for "Black Lives Matter". "This is what must be done. Because this is how we will reach our goal for the greater good."
His teammate Meyers Leonard, although wearing a "Black Lives Matter" t-shirt and the word "Equality" on the back of his jersey, remained standing while the Star Spangled Banner sounded.
"I really support + BLM + and I also love and support the army, my brother and the people who fought to defend our rights in this country", argued the pivot whose eldest has carried out missions in Afghanistan with the Marines.
"I am a compassionate human being. I cannot fully understand how our world, literally and figuratively, has turned to black and white. + If you're not on your knees, you're not with us + , you can tell me. This is not true. I will continue by my voice and my actions to show how much I care about everyone ".
Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and Orlando player Jonathan Isaac also stood on Friday during the American Anthem, while reaffirming their support for "Black Lives Matter".
© 2020 AFP