NBA Playoffs Will Continue
The NBA and the NBPA announced it will resume the playoffs this Saturday, with some new initiatives.
The @NBA and @TheNBPA jointly announce the season will resume Saturday along with converting all league arenas into voting centers and ballot receiving areas for the November election where still possible: pic.twitter.com/TdlhNFAkPT
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) August 28, 2020
The new NBA initiatives are as follows:
1. The NBA and its players have agreed to immediately establish a social justice coalition, with representatives from players, coaches and governors, that will be focused on a broad range of issues, including increasing access to voting, promoting civic engagement, and advocating for meaningful police and criminal justice reform.
2. In every city where the league franchise owns and controls the arena property, team governors will continue to work with local elections officials to convert the facility into a voting location for the 2020 general election to allow for a safe in-person voting option for communities vulnerable to COVID. If a deadline has passed, team governors will work with local elections officials to find another election-related use for the facility, including but not limited to voter registration and ballot receiving boards.
3. The league will work with the players and our network partners to create and include advertising spots in each NBA playoff game dedicated to promoting greater civic engagement in national and local elections and raising awareness around voter access and opportunity.
Sources say Lebron James was the last player to speak on the call and he delivered a strong, thoughtful message to the owners. His main point was that the work has to continue, and the owners have to truly dedicate to advancing this cause.
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) August 27, 2020
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has also released a statement:
Letter from NBA Commissioner to league employees pic.twitter.com/NY2tiMF8dx
— NBA (@NBA) August 28, 2020
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