The NBA has four nationally televised games set for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but their commitment to honoring one of history’s greatest men goes beyond that on this national holiday.
Sam Amick of USA Today wrote an excellent piece about the NBA’s attempts to honor the civil-rights leader and how important it is after racially charged incidents involving Donald Sterling, Danny Ferry and Bruce Levenson over the past few years.
In Atlanta and Memphis, especially, players take special pride in teaching others and learning about Dr. King’s work. In Memphis, that means visiting the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, where King was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
“It’s not a written rule, but it’s a must-do when you’re a player here,” said Grizzlies veteran Vince Carter, who grew up in Daytona Beach, Florida. “You’re in Memphis, and that’s one of the things that you’re supposed to do. I don’t care of your color, creed, or any of that, it’s a part of American history. … It’s just something you should educate yourself on.”
Current and former players have also taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Dr. King.
"The time is always right to do what is right." — Martin Luther King, Jr. #MLKDay pic.twitter.com/EFIKZjPxQP
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 18, 2016
Happy MLK day! Words cant describe how thankful my family is to this man…without his fight… https://t.co/mNPG3kz0bL
— Anthony Tolliver (@ATolliver44) January 18, 2016
https://twitter.com/Marquis_Daniels/status/689093395265011713
Happy #MLKday pic.twitter.com/zkmZFgFF73
— Kenny Anderson (@chibbs_1) January 18, 2016
Wasn't born during his time but I know my history and the impact he made on all lives regardless… https://t.co/jkJRsd884w
— Daequan Cook (@DC4Three) January 18, 2016
Happy MLK Day everyone… "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
— John Amaechi OBE (@JohnAmaechi) January 18, 2016
The NBA also put together a video featuring the league’s biggest stars, including Kobe Bryant and DeMarcus Cousins, talking about Dr. King’s impact.
The Knicks and 76ers tip off the schedule at 1 p.m. in New York. The Knicks have hosted a game on every MLK Day since 1987.
(Via USA Today)