Lonzo Ball, JJ Redick, Demario Davis Plan to Form Justice Leadership Council

Megan ArmstrongSenior Analyst IIJune 1, 2020

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 4: Lonzo Ball #2 and JJ Redick #4 of the New Orleans Pelicans celebrate after defeating the Sacramento Kings on January 4, 2020 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

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New Orleans Pelicans guards Lonzo Ball and JJ Redick, as well as New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis, will join owner Gayle Benson in forming the Social Justice Leadership Coalition, Benson announced Monday:

Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
In statement, Benson mentions Lonzo Ball, JJ Redick and Saints LB Demario Davis will form a “Justice Leadership Council” in the organization. “Our goal will be to advocate for issues and change when and where we are able to in black and brown communities.” https://t.co/27wgiAZzdO

Benson's statement was addressing the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed 46-year-old black man who died while in Minneapolis police custody May 25. An independent autopsy released Monday said that Floyd died from "asphyxiation from sustained pressure" after since-fired officer Derek Chauvin knelt on the back of his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds.

Chauvin was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter Friday. However, three other officers involved in the arrest have not been charged.

Ball, Davis and Redick have individually spoken out about the killing (NSFW language):

Around The NFL @AroundTheNFL
Saints LB Demario Davis: "We have to change the way policing is done in our country." https://t.co/Dqsyn3sHHr https://t.co/IBme3IWnFX

Ballislife.com @Ballislife
Lonzo Ball's latest IG Post https://t.co/tztffeQAUg

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JJ Redick @jj_redick
“What we’re trying to do is stand up for the basic rights of humanity.” Seems like a basic right should be to not have to worry about being murdered by police. We have to demand change and justice. #BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/4WDREjdMvZ

Ball participated in a protest with his younger brothers, LiAngelo and LaMelo, in their hometown Chino Hills, California, over the weekend.

Protests have spread worldwide seeking justice for Floyd and an end to police brutality and racial injustice in America.