Ian Begley, SNY.tv | Twitter |
People in New York City have gathered at Barclays Center to protest police brutality and racial inequality in the wake of George Floyd's killing.
Nets owner Joe Tsai has no issue with the protests outside of his arena. In fact, he endorses them.
"Those of us who cannot possibly experience the personal pain and indignity of racism towards black people feel a sense of helplessness as frustration and anxiety reach a boiling point. But it does not mean that we sit idle," Tsai said in a statement to The New York Daily News.
"We have said that we will use the voice and platform of the Nets, Liberty and Barclays Center to facilitate empathy and dialogue. In Brooklyn, the Plaza at Flatbush and Atlantic has become a place for people to assemble and have their voice heard.
Tsai, who publicly opposed protesters in Hong Kong after Rockets GM Daryl Morey tweeted in support of the protests, leading to turmoil between the NBA and China, added: "If it continues to serve as a place where everyone from our community -- from residents to businesses to police alike -- gather peacefully to listen to each other and find common ground, then it's good with me."
The Nets are among the 29 teams to release a statement or video message amid protests around the country following Floyd's killing.
"We want to say 'Enough is Enough,' the statement read.
"Not all of us can ever be in a position to experience the personal pain, fear and despair of Black Americans in light of the events. But our instinct tells us that the lack of respect for human life, fueled by prejudices, is simply wrong. All people, regardless of color, race or ethnicity, deserve to be treated with human dignity and be protected from violence.
"Our hearts are broken by the attacks on the personal safety and dignity of the Black community. While we feel the raw emotion, we call for a peaceful response in our joint fight against racism. This is not the time to be vengeful. This is a time to effect change."
Kyrie Irving and Caris LeVert are among the Nets players to participate in protests following Floyd's death.
Brooklyn will resume its season in Orlando next month as the NBA returns to the court following a three-month suspension due to the coronavirus crisis.
The Nets, under interim head coach Jacque Vaughn, will be without Kevin Durant and Irving when play resumes. Brooklyn is currently 30-34 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference.
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