Breanna Stewart Holds Up “Abolish ICE” Sign During Game, Sparking Conversation About Social Justice
Two-time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart made a powerful statement during an Unrivaled game on Sunday, holding up a sign that read “Abolish ICE” during player introductions. This bold move came just a day after federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, sparking widespread outrage and calls for justice.
After the game, which ended in a 76-71 victory for Stewart’s team, the Mist, over the Vinyl, Stewart answered questions about her decision to hold up the sign. “Really all day yesterday, I was kind of just disgusted,” Stewart said. “I wanted to kind of have a simple message of abolish ICE, which means to uplift families and communities—having policies to uplift family and communities instead of fueling fear and violence. When human lives are at stake, it’s bigger than anything else.”
Stewart Joins Other Sports Figures in Speaking Out Against Injustice
Stewart, whose wife Marta Xargay Casademont is a Spanish citizen, was one of several sports figures who spoke out this weekend about Pretti’s killing and the federal government’s violent occupation of Minneapolis. Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton also made a straightforward declaration of his feelings, tweeting “Alex Pretti was murdered” on Saturday. These statements demonstrate the growing trend of athletes using their platforms to bring attention to social justice issues and advocate for change.
According to a report by the New York Times, the killing of Alex Pretti has sparked widespread protests and calls for reform in Minneapolis. The city has a long history of activism and community organizing, and the recent events have only added to the sense of urgency and frustration among residents. As Stewart and other athletes continue to speak out, they are helping to amplify the voices of those affected by injustice and bring attention to the need for systemic change.
Some Athletes Struggle to Find Their Voice on Social Justice Issues
Not all athletes have been as clear-eyed in their responses to the situation. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, for example, tried to grant himself a pass by claiming he doesn’t have social media and wasn’t aware of the details of the situation. “Man, I just love Minnesota,” Edwards said. “All the love and support that they show me, so I’m behind whatever they with. I don’t really have social media so I’m not really in tune with everything, but I’ve heard about the stuff that’s going on, so me and my family are definitely praying for everybody.”
In contrast, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr took a more nuanced approach, expressing his concern about the division and misinformation that is prevalent in the country. “We’re being divided by media for profit, by misinformation,” Kerr said. “There’s so much out there that is really difficult for all of us to reconcile, so in times like these you have to lean on values and who you are and who you want to be, either as an individual or a country… That’s what’s so sad about all this, is that we’re at each other’s throats right now. You can’t just say, ‘I’m right and the other person’s wrong.'” Kerr’s comments highlight the need for empathy and understanding in the face of complex social issues.
National Basketball Players Association Releases Statement on Social Justice
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) also released a statement on Sunday, declaring that NBA players can “no longer remain silent” on issues of social justice. The statement read, in part: “Following the news of yet another fatal shooting in Minneapolis, a city that has been on the forefront of the fight against injustices, NBA players can no longer remain silent. Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice.”
The NBPA’s statement demonstrates the growing recognition among athletes and sports organizations of the need to speak out on social justice issues. As the NBA and other leagues continue to grapple with the complexities of activism and advocacy, it is clear that athletes like Breanna Stewart and Tyrese Haliburton will play a key role in shaping the conversation and pushing for change.
According to data from the Pew Research Center, the majority of Americans believe that athletes have a responsibility to speak out on social justice issues. As the sports world continues to evolve and athletes become increasingly vocal about their values and beliefs, it is likely that we will see even more powerful statements and actions from athletes like Stewart and Haliburton in the future.
