“Black Lives Matter.” “Say Their Names.” “I Can’t Breathe.” These are just a few of the messages the NBA has permitted players to wear on the back of their uniforms when play resumes in the Orlando bubble later this month.
The other ones include, “Justice Now,” “Power to the People,” “How Many More,” “Say Her Name,” “Listen to Us,” “I Am a Man,” “Speak Up,” “Stand Up,” “Group Economics” and “Education Reform.”
According to Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated, the words “Ally,” “Anti-Racist,” “Enough,” “Equality,” “Freedom,” “Justice,” “Liberation,” “Listen,” “Mentor,” “Peace” and “Vote” can also be used in lieu of players’ last names.
Participating players will be able to submit their first and second choices to the league. Players can wear their approved messages for the first four nights of seeding games, which begin on July 30. Teams will revert to their regular uniforms after that.
The players decided not to use the names of those who’ve died in police custody for concern of offending those whose names were not used.
Along with the option to display personal messages, the NBA also plans to paint “Black Lives Matter” on the courts of each of its three arenas.
