NBA Stars Speak Out Against Violence, Profiling

ESPN's annual ESPY Awards opened last night (July 13th) with NBA stars LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade speaking out against gun violence and racial profiling, and calling on fellow athletes to do more in their communities, educate themselves on the issues, and renounce violence, saying, "Enough is enough."

They spoke after a week that saw the police killings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, sparking nationwide protests, and the murders of five Dallas police officers in revenge.

Anthony said, "The events of the past week have put a spotlight on the injustice, distrust and anger that plague so many of us. The system is broken. The problems are not new, the violence is not new and the racial divide is definitely not new. But the urgency to create change is at an all-time high."

Wade stated, "The racial profiling has to stop. The shoot-to-kill mentality has to stop. Not seeing the value of black and brown bodies has to stop. But also the retaliation has to stop."

James noted that the ESPYs would be honoring the late Muhammad Ali, and said, "To do his legacy any justice, let's use this moment as a call to action for all professional athletes. To educate ourselves, explore these issues, speak up, use our influence and renounce all violence."


The four athletes reportedly asked the network to open the show.