Pope Francis Meets with NBA Players

Photo Credit: Vatican Media

By H. Elizabeth

On November 23rd, Pope Francis called an unprecedented meeting with several National Basketball Association (NBA) players and National Basketball Players Association officials to discuss their ongoing work regarding social justice issues. The group included Jonathan Isaac, Kyle Korver, Sterling Brown, and National Basketball Players Association representatives Michele Roberts, Marco Belinelli and Anthony Toliver.

During the meeting, players had the opportunity to discuss how they individually and collectively have been addressing issues of inequality and social justice within their communities. Pope Francis praised the players and the League for their efforts and stated that they were “Champions…giving that good example of teamwork, but always remaining humble and preserving their own humanity.” 

At the start of the 2020 season, NBA players used their platform to highlight racial injustice, police brutality and other social justice issues. Players and coaches kneeled during the National Anthem in protest of police brutality, in addition to wearing messages such as “Say their names,” “Enough,” and “Equality” on their jerseys. Earlier this year in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake, the Milwaukee Bucks, led by Kyle Korver, Sterling Brown and George Hill, decided to sit out during their postseason game against the Orlando Magic. The Bucks decision to boycott their game ignited a huge response across the sports community, as several teams cancelled their games in solidarity. 

To learn more, we recommend reading “Privileged” (by Kyle Korver) and “Your Money Can’t Silence Me” (by Sterling Brown) on The Players Tribune.