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Report: Kyrie Irving Leading Players Who Believe NBA Restart Is Bad Optics
June 12, 2020
A number of NBA players are unhappy the league is planning an isolated return to play amid the social unrest across the United States.
Per Yahoo Sports' Chris Haynes, there are players who "believe it's bad optics for a league comprised predominantly of black men" to play basketball games in a single location "merely to entertain the masses and ease the league's economic burden" given the protests happening around the country.
According to Bleacher Report's Howard Beck, Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has been a "driving force" in organizing the calls and voicing concern. Haynes added:
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynesAs @TaylorRooks, @HowardBeck reports, Brooklyn Nets star Kyrie Irving has organized a call tonight for players to discuss what position they should take. He’s of mindset that during racial tension, not returning to play should be considered, sources say. https://t.co/8W8VaZMxQh
A "respected NBA player" told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski: "Once we start playing basketball again, the news will turn from systemic racism to 'who did what' in the game last night. It’s a crucial time for us to be able to play and blend that to impact what’s happening in our communities."
Haynes also noted that "a significant number" of players were upset with how the union conducted its vote last Friday about returning to play in Orlando, Florida, starting next month.
After the NBA board of governors voted by a 29-1 margin to approve the 22-team restart plan, the NBPA board of player representatives approved it the following day.
The NBPA board of player representatives only includes one player from each team.
Haynes noted some players have been "reluctant to express their views in fear of opposing the superstars who are adamant about playing if proper safety measures are in place."
Wojnarowski reported this week that a faction of "40 to 50 players" took part in conference calls to express their concerns about resuming the season for a variety of reasons, including social unrest in the country.
Per Bleacher Report's Taylor Rooks, approximately 150 players are expected to take part in a Zoom call Friday "to solidify" what they can do to take a stand and unify their message. Beck later noted that approximately 200 players could participate in the call.
The Los Angeles Lakers' Kyle Kuzma and Jared Dudley weighed in on the matter:
According to Yahoo Sports' Vincent Goodwill, "several high-profile players" have held discussions with other players on the potential financial ramifications of not finishing the season:
Other issues of concern were the coronavirus pandemic and being unable to leave the Wide World of Sports resort in Orlando for as long as three months depending on how far teams advance in the postseason.
Per Wojnarowski and Bobby Marks, the NBA is planning to resume regular-season games July 30.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Russell Westbrook, Tobias Harris and Donovan Mitchell are among the NBA stars who have taken part in protests over the past two weeks and whose teams are included in the 22-team restart plan.