Athletes React To Breonna Taylor’s Decision
Credit: Ashley Landis | AP
Many athletes expressed their anger about the decision that was made.
September 23rd, 2020, was a somber day in history for black human rights. A Kentucky grand jury indicted only one officer, Brett Hankison, out of the three that were present during the murder of Breonna Taylor. He was indicted for “wanton endangerment”. However, neither officers Myles Cosgrove, Brett Hankison, and Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly were charged for Breonna Taylor’s murder.
Athletes are not the ones to keep quiet about social injustice. They are always making their voices heard. One of the most prominent moments was when in 2012, when Trayvon Martin was fatally shot, LeBron James used his social media to gather attention to the racial injustice that was happening in the country, It could be said that because of the way that LeBron James used his social media, it inspired others to use it in a more meaningful way. That is how the Black Lives Matter movement gathered more prominence in the recent years. Athletes and coaches alike became considerably more outspoken, letting everyone know what their views are. They became the one of the leading messengers in the fight for black lives and black rights.
Naomi Osaka pays tribute to Breonna Taylor. Credit: Frank Franklin | AP
For example, during one of her matches, Naomi Osaka went on court with a mask that said “Breonna Taylor”. When the tragedy that happened with Jacob Blake, numerous of MLB, NHL and NBA games were postponed in solidarity to the tragedy. The NFL didn’t postpone their games, yet they did other things to show their support. During the anthem they locked arms with each other and “Lift Every Voice And Sing” played during first week of the games.
On Wednesday, when the decision about the murder of Breonna Taylor came out, the sports world’s reaction spread with great speed. LeBron James tweeted: “I’m devastated, hurt, sad, mad! We want Justice for Breonna yet justice was met for her neighbors apartment walls and not her beautiful life. Was I surprised at the verdict. Absolutely not but damnit I was & still am hurt and heavy hearted!”
Colin Kapernik knelt during the national anthem in 2016. He hasn’t been back in the NFL since then, though he is as vocal as ever about present day issues. He tweeted: “The white supremacist institution of policing that stole Breonna Taylor’s life from us must be abolished for the safety and well being of our people.”
In an interview to ESPN’s Malika Andrews, the head coach of the Denver Nuggets Michael Malone said: “…A lot of players on our team have spoken out for justice for Breonna Taylor, and we have not gotten justice.”
The fight is not over yet. Stay informed, stay united and stand firm in your beliefs.