NBA boss Adam Silver said Monday that the resumption of the season scheduled for late July in Orlando, Florida was "maybe not for everyone," saying he left the players the choice. Between fear of the coronavirus, isolation from families and the fight against racial injustice, “I can only say that it may not be for everyone. This will involve huge sacrifices for the players and for everyone involved, the coaches, the referees ... which I do not want to water down, "he told ESPN on Monday.
“If a player chooses not to come, it will not be a breach of contract. We accept that, "he said, immediately maintaining the position of the league, which has said from the start that it will tolerate the absence of players pleading for health or other reasons. Since the NBA announced its plan to return to the game at 22 teams in the Disney World "bubble", set for July 31 (a date likely to be advanced to 30), many players have expressed various concerns.
An "opportunity" to draw attention to the fight against racial violence
A number of them, in the wake of Brooklyn star Kyrie Irving, consider in particular that the time is not for basketball, but for mobilization for the fight against racial injustices, after the death of George Floyd when arrested in Minneapolis on May 25. “I don't support going to Orlando to play. There is something that does not smell good, "said the leader, however not affected by this recovery since he is recovering from an operation on the right shoulder.
Responding indirectly to these players wishing to concentrate their efforts in the fight against injustice and racial violence, Adam Silver considered that a return to the game would precisely present “an opportunity” for them “to draw attention to these questions because the eyes of the world will be on the NBA. "
The head of the body admitted that there could be "unanimity of views" among some 375 players affected by the recovery in Florida. He said the NBA would continue to talk to the players' union to both preserve the health of the teams and promote the fight for social justice. The league and the players will be able to "resolve most of these issues in the coming weeks," he said.
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Death of George Floyd: The United States is "in danger because of racism", deplores Gregg Popovich
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