America’s most progressive major sports league may be at the onset of its most important season – and not for what will happen on the court
Imagine a sports league whose athletes are encouraged to speak out against social injustice. Imagine a league that doesn’t treat activism like a threat, painting over the shouts for change with flimsy public relations initiatives in hopes of placating fans and advertisers. Imagine a league that invites difficult conversations rather than close its eyes and hope the uncomfortable moments go away.
As the NFL dithers in the face of player expression, the NBA embraces it. For the last three weeks NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has danced around the proper response to his players’ silent shout for racial equality. As several of the league’s stars continue to kneel during the national anthem, drawing almost daily fire from US president Donald Trump, he keeps reaching for a public-relations solution that will make the media onslaught disappear. But the more the NFL tries to pretend it is listening to its players, the louder the criticism comes from all sides.
Related: NBA 2017-18 predictions: our writers forecast the winners and Trump baiters
Related: ESPN kneels before advertisers by silencing Jemele Hill for doing her job | Marina Hyde
Related: Hamilton deserves credit for addressing issue whether or not he takes a knee | Giles Richards
Continue reading...