In the NBA players and owners meeting, players challenged owners to be proactive, not reactive to social justice changes.
Players want action, not just financial contributions and commitments, according to Shams Charania.
As a result, the NBA and NBPA will create a new program to work on player-created initiatives on a daily basis.
LeBron James was reportedly the last player to speak on the call and he delivered a “strong and thoughtful” message to the owners.
His main point was that the work has to continue and the owners have to truly dedicate to advancing this cause, according to Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks.
Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan, the only black majority owner in the league, has served as a “bridge” between players and owners.
He has also taken a strong position to help other owners see different point of views.
“Right now, listening is better than talking,” Jordan told the group.
“Michael is the perfect person to be in this role,” said a league official. “He’s been a high-profile player who has won championships. He’s also the owner of a small-market team. He has great credibility both with the players and the owners.”
On the call, Jordan said he wasn’t speaking as an owner or former player, but he was speaking as a black man.
