Published 19:41 IST, June 1st 2020
George Floyd protest: How NBA stars raised their voice against racial injustice
George Floyd protest: NBA stars such as Karl Anthony-Towns, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade all joined in the ongoing protests against racial discrimination.
George Floyd's unfortunate death has sparked a frenzy across the United States of America. There have been multiple George Floyd protests that have emerged over the last week or so. New York, Florida, Los Angeles, Atlanta and other American cities recorded protests as people took to the streets to express their outrage surrounding George Floyd's death. On Sunday, protestors flocked to the White House in Washington DC as they called for President Donald Trump to bring an end to police brutality in the country. Several prominent Hollywood personalities, popular singers and sports icons also joined in to protest against police brutality and systemic racism that is still prevalent in the US. NBA stars such as LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Jaylen Brown and Karl Anthony-Towns have also become part of this movement as they question all those in power.
George Floyd death, George Floyd protest
LeBron James reduced to tears on George Floyd death
Why was George Floyd killed? George Floyd protest
How NBA players joined the protest and raised their voice against racism
George Floyd death: NBA stars join the George Floyd protest movement
Lakers star LeBron James led from the front with multiple posts on social media to highlight the plight of the average African-American living in the United States. LeBron James took that idea a step further by bringing in his Lakers teammates Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard on board the ongoing movement as they made a strong statement on Instagram stating, "If YOU Ain't Wit US, WE Ain't Wit Y'ALL." Meanwhile, Karl Anthony-Towns and former NBA champion Stephen Jackson were seen protesting in Minnesota a day after George Floyd's death. Karl, who lost his mother earlier this year to COVID-19, was seen comforting Stephen Jackson who was a friend of the late George Floyd.
Celtics star Jaylen Brown reportedly drove 15 hours to lead a peaceful protest in Atlanta. JR Smith also joined a protest in Los Angeles but he made headlines for a different reason on Monday morning. Smith was caught assaulting a protestor who shattered his vehicle's glass window amid the protest.
NBA greats such as Magic Johnson, Dwyane Wade, Kendrick Perkins and even Michael Jordan have spoken out against the various injustices that African-Americans are subjected to on a daily basis. Various other NBA personalities have spoken out against racism towards minorities ahead of a potential NBA return date this month. An official NBA return date is yet to be announced but reports claim that officials are aiming to resume the season sometime in July.
Why was George Floyd killed? George Floyd protest
The answer to the question 'Why was George Floyd killed?' still remains unknown. However, the reason behind George Floyd's arrest has been well-documented. Floyd was accused of using a counterfeit $20 dollar bill to purchase cigarettes after a deli employee called 911. Four police officers then made their way to the scene and arrested George Floyd. The officers claimed that Floyd resisted arrest. In a video that was shot by bystanders, Floyd can be seen being restrained as a police officer named Derek Chauvin holds him down with his knee, which ultimately led to Floyd's death.
Derek Chauvin, the main instigator behind this hideous crime, has been charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter in the George Floyd death case. Prior to the George Floyd death, another African-American citizen named Ahmaud Arbery was murdered in broad daylight by a former police officer while Arbery was jogging in a neighbourhood in Georgia.
George Floyd protest
Jaylen Brown drives 15 hours to lead a protest in Atlanta
Updated 19:41 IST, June 1st 2020