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Howard told CNN on Saturday that given the
unrest following the death of George Floyd at the hands of
Minneapolis police last month that now is not the time for
games. Floyd, like Howard, was African American, and Howard said
the black community must put itself first now.
"Basketball, or entertainment period, isn't needed at this
moment, and will only be a distraction," his lengthy statement
began.
It continued: "I would love nothing more than to win my very
first NBA Championship. But the unity of My People would be an
even bigger Championship, that's just too beautiful to pass up.
What better time than now for us to be focusing on our families?
"This is a rare opportunity that, I believe, we as a community
should be taking full advantage of. When have we ever had this
amount of time to sit and be with our families? This is where
our Unity starts. At home! With Family!! European Colonization
stripped us of our rich history, and we have yet to sit down and
figure us out. The less distractions, the more we can put into
action into rediscovering ourselves. Nations come out of
families. Black/African American is not a Nation or Nationality.
It's time Our Families became their own Nations. No Basketball
till we get things resolved."
The NBA intends to finish the coronavirus-interrupted season and
the playoffs at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.
Training camp is set to be held July 9-29 before the season
restarts July 30.
Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving reportedly lobbied fellow
players on Friday to sit out the scheduled resumption of play as
a protest against racism, multiple media outlets reported.
According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Irving told more
than 80 NBA players on a conference call, "I don't support going
into Orlando. I'm not with the systematic racism and the
(expletive). Something smells a little fishy. ... I'm willing to
give up everything I have (for social reform)."
The 34-year-old Howard is in his 16th NBA season. He is a
three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and an eight-time
All-Star.
His Lakers' teammate, LeBron James, has been a supporter of the
return-to-play plan.
--Field Level Media
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