With the country engulfed in the resulting turmoil of the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police, many in the NBA have spoken. Not only is the country battling the coronavirus, it is now dealing with divisiveness over another senseless death that could have easily been prevented. It’s time for change.

Trae Young Speaks

NBA All-Star point guard Trae Young was up in front of a crowd of peaceful protesters in his hometown of Norman, Oklahoma, on Monday. The message was simple and clear. Change must happen and it cannot happen with just the efforts of Young. 

“It’s not just going to take me,” said Young. “It’s not just going to take you. It’s all of us coming together and doing this as a collective unit.”

Michael Jordan Angry

Former NBA legend and current owner of the Charlotte Hornets Michael Jordan joined in the expression of grief and anger over the death of Floyd. 

“I am deeply saddened, truly pained, and plain angry,” said Jordan on Sunday. Like many that have spoken out against this grave injustice, Jordan believes it’s time for true change. “I don’t have the answers, but our collective voices show strength and the inability to be divided by others.”

Jordan was joined by LA Clippers head coach Doc Rivers and Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams on Sunday in calling for change. Rivers said, “This isn’t an African-American issue; this is a human issue. Our society must start getting comfortable with the uncomfortable conversation and do the right thing.”

LeBron Weighs In

The NBA’s most recognizable name, LeBron James, used his voice to express his feelings over the death of Floyd. On Tuesday, James posted on Instagram featuring a photo of officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck next to a photo of former San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem to protest police brutality. James captioned the photo “This … … Is Why.”

Chauvin has been charged with third-degree murder in the death of Floyd. He is in police custody and was recently moved to a maximum security prison.

Rick Bouch