LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – JULY 30: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on July 30, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. 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 Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
Donovan Mitchell showed off a bulletproof vest featuring a strong statement.
Donovan Mitchell and the Utah Jazz picked up a victory Thursday night over the New Orleans Pelicans in what was the first seeding game played in the NBA Orlando bubble. Mitchell went for 20 points and led his team with 36 minutes.
Perhaps the most powerful moment of his night came off the court. Mitchell had one particular piece of clothing that is not often worn by professional athletes. That was a bulletproof vest featuring a powerful message.
Donovan Mitchell’s bulletproof vest
Carrying around this vest in general is a notable move. But having it feature the names of so many victims of police brutality just shows how widespread that problem is in our society. The entire vest is filled with the names of victims and even one name on there is one too many.
Mitchell also brought up the phrase of “Am I next?” This was not allowed to be worn on the back of NBA jerseys during the restart, but the message behind the phrase continues on.
Mitchell has “Say Her Name” on the back of his own jersey, which is in reference to the late Breonna Taylor. He is using his platform to bring awareness to the unnecessary tragedies taking place in this country, and the bulletproof vest sends another strong message.
Players like Mitchell are in the Orlando bubble, so they do not have their normal platform. However, social media allows messages to be shared with the world and something Mitchell didn’t wear on the court is able to become a story for the right reasons.
It is easy to forget Mitchell is still only 23 years old. He shows the maturity of a seasoned veteran and knows how to effectively use his voice and platform at a young age. Expect to see his vest more often as Mitchell continues to push for both awareness and change.