WNBA Calls for ‘Peaceful Protest’ to Demand Leaders Committed to ‘True Social Justice’

The recent death of an unarmed black man at the hands of police have sparked violent protests in cities across the country. Today, the WNBA Players Association issued a statement regarding the protests.

The recent death of an unarmed black man at the hands of police have sparked violent protests in cities across the country. Today, the WNBA Players Association issued a statement regarding the protests.

“Our nation continues to witness senseless brutality like what we have seen recently in different parts of the country such as Georgia, Kentucky and only days ago, Minnesota. Through peaceful protest, we must demand strong leadership at all levels that is equally committed to achieving true social justice.” 

The statement was dedicated to "Ahmaud Arbery, Breanna Taylor, George Floyd and far too many other women, men and children."

Monday evening, George Floyd, an unarmed black man, died as a result of being violently apprehended by four Minneapolis police officers. All four officers were fired, and today, the officer shown kneeling on Floyd’s neck was arrested and charged with third-degree murder and manslaughter.

Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed by two white men while jogging in southern Georgia in February.

Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old EMT in Kentucky, was shot and killed by police when they raided her home in March.

Reactions from members of the sports world have been growing, including from former NBA player Stephen Jackson.

Many statements have included images of Colin Kapernick who famously knelt in protest of police brutality during the 2016 NFL season.