After anti-Semitic remarks by Stephen Jackson, discomfort hangs over the world of the NBA. In question ? The deafening silence of most players …
For months they were flawless, led by Stephen Jackson. Following the death of George Floyd, NBA players were major players in the Black Lives Matter movement, chaining very good interventions on the cause of blacks in the United States. Their creed? Equality, for all.
Fast forward to this week, and to anti-Semitic remarks by NFL player DeSean Jackson. In essence, it relayed quotes from Hitler, citing the Jewish plot to enslave the blacks. Stephen Jackson quickly supported the wide receiver, claiming that he “was telling the truth” and wanted to “educate people”.
The first wave of media outrage has not changed anything: the former Warriors and Spurs persisted and signed, refusing to apologize and confusing himself with new anti-Semitic remarks. But when they condemned Jax, the NBA players suddenly became very silent.
Read also | Just arrived in the bubble, JR Smith is cropped
It took several days for Enes Kanter to become the first player to speak on the subject, and especially to condemn Jackson’s words:
Think before you act! or (Post)
It’s important to stand against all kinds of discrimination.
We must work TOGETHER to end all forms of hate and bring UNITY.– To all my Jewish brothers and sisters out there;
I love you and no one can change that @CNN pic.twitter.com/9nPiBEtGmK
– Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) July 9, 2020
Think before you act (or post)!
It is important to fight against all forms of discrimination. We must work TOGETHER to end all kinds of hatred and bring about UNITY.
To all my Jewish brothers and sisters: I love you, and no one can change that.
Obviously, the situation poses a problem for two reasons. First, there is a major inconsistency between the claim of NBA players, namely equality, and the fact of treating discrimination in an… unequal manner. If indignation at anti-black racism is justified, so is indignation at anti-Semitism. As such, radio silence harms the message initially conveyed.
We also think of the case Drew Brees, NFL player summoned to apologize and assaulted on all sides by his sports counterparts after his criticism of those who kneel during the anthem. Stephen Jackson, he passes through the drops.
Still waiting for Stephen Jackson and Desean Jackson to get the (deserved) Drew Brees treatment from NBA and NFL players.
— Matt Schubert (@MattDSchubert) July 11, 2020
I’m still waiting for Stephen Jackson and DeSean Jackson to get the same (deserved) treatment as Drew Brees from NBA and NFL players.
You will understand, NBA players do not shine by their non-reaction to this episode … Regrettable.
–
