Antetokounmpo, Bucks players join Milwaukee protest

[June 08, 2020]  Several Bucks players, led by reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, spoke and marched on Saturday in Milwaukee at a protest against racial injustice and police brutality.

Among the other Bucks players present were his brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo, as well as Brook Lopez, Sterling Brown, Donte DiVincenzo, Frank Mason and Cam Reynolds. All wore shirts reading "I can't breathe," a reference to the words of George Floyd before he died in police custody on May 25 in Minneapolis.

Floyd, an African American, died after officer Derek Chauvin, who is white, kneeled on his neck for eight-plus minutes. Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter, while three other officers have been charged with abetting murder and manslaughter.

"We want change," Antetokounmpo said in address to other protestors. "We want justice. That's why we're out here. That's what we're going to do today. That's why I'm going to march with you guys.

Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

"I want my kid to grow up and not to be scared to walk down the street. I don't want my kid to have hate in his heart. It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter the color. We're not black, white, yellow. It doesn't matter. We're all human beings."

The Bucks also announced Saturday they will lead a protest march in support of social justice on Sunday, with players, coaches, ownership, management and staff all expected to take part.

--Field Level Media

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