Sports world takes part in Blackout Tuesday to bring attention to injustices
With the United States facing one of its biggest crises in more than 50 years, sports leagues and stars took to social media Tuesday with black screens - under the hashtag #BlackoutTuesday.
LeBron James and Steph Curry were front and center among NBA stars.
#BlackLivesMatter#BlackoutTuesday#NBATogether pic.twitter.com/vKA1Z4yfa1
— NBA (@NBA) June 2, 2020
In addition to the league itself, several NBA teams tweeted out the item, as did teams in leagues across the sports spectrum and around the world.
In the NFL, New York Jets running back Le'Veon Bell and Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz were among the star players making their voices heard, and New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton did the same.
I’ve held on to my words because I still haven’t been able to find the right thing to say...I’m hurt, WE are hurt, AMERICA is hurting, and I can’t even find words to express to you how bad I feel...RIP George Floyd 💔 #BlackLivesMatter #BlackOutTuesday 🖤✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/rUOLSnHlTb
— Le'Veon Bell (@LeVeonBell) June 2, 2020
🗣TOGETHER🗣 #BlackOutTuesday pic.twitter.com/4hRC1pAnmq
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) June 2, 2020
— Sean Payton (@SeanPayton) June 2, 2020
MLB stars Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees and Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers joined in, among many other players.
In the NHL, Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby took part through his foundation.
Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Mitch Marner also made his feelings known.
I've been searching for the right thing to say - but I realize that now is the time to listen with intent, understanding and learn how we can help #BlackOutTuesday pic.twitter.com/PClwtmnkyv
— Mitchell Marner (@Marner93) June 2, 2020
Protests in response to the police killing of Minnesota resident George Floyd have also spread to Europe. From across the Atlantic, Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero voiced his support.
#BlackOutTuesday #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/dIdJigMSsb
— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) June 2, 2020
Others from the soccer world included Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe, and Jozy Altidore of Toronto FC and the U.S. men's national team.