PORTLAND, OREGON – FEBRUARY 23: CJ McCollum #3 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles with the ball in the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons during their game at Moda Center on February 23, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
CJ McCollum took part in a call with Breonna Taylor’s mother.
NBA players made it clear they wanted to continue to focus on social justice issues and fight against racial inequality when they went into the Orlando bubble. The league is more progressive than most and players are able to use their platforms to call for justice and change.
The case of Breonna Taylor is one that is both shocking and sad. The young African-American woman was shot dead in her own home in Louisville, and NBA players are joining the call for justice against the still uncharged police officers who were part of the killing.
Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum revealed there was a Zoom call with Taylor’s mother and several NBA players in what is a genuine act of goodwill and support from those involved.
CJ McCollum is using his platform
There have been several NBA players who have spoken out about how they want actions to be taken as opposed to words simply being spoken. Reaching out to Taylor’s mother is a strong action and gives the family support during a tough time.
It is one thing for regular people to share Taylor’s name on social media, but that is about the limit of most of our platforms. NBA players speak to a global audience, and demanding justice for Breonna Taylor in a press conference that is then shared can reach millions of people.
Players ended up being limited in what they could have on the back of their jerseys. However, there is no limit on what they can say in interviews or on social media, and that is perhaps even more powerful.
Professional athletes like McCollum and other NBA stars have enough money to where they can shelter themselves from society if they so pleased. Instead, they reached out directly to Taylor’s mother and continue to speak out on her case. Let’s hope it ends up making a major difference in getting Kentucky’s Attorney General to take action.