The NBA season has been shut down since March due to the global lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. But even a stay-at-home order couldn’t put a pause on the racism in this country that is killing Black men and women faster than an airborne, deadly respiratory virus. 

Nationwide protests have erupted and many celebrities, including ballplayers, are calling out for equality in wake of the death of George Floyd.

The NBA is scheduled to resume on July 30th in Orlando. This new structure will be inviting 22 teams to the city to finish off the season and begin the playoffs. Some players still do not feel it’s safe to continue the season until the pandemic is over. More importantly, there’s a racial war going on and the return of the NBA will only distract people. 

Kyrie Irving is taking a stance against the NBA along with 80 other players. These players held a team member only conference on Friday sharing opinions that the league should not continue but remain focused on the “Black Lives Matter” narrative and being cautious of the virus still going around. 

NBA’s frontman LeBron James disagrees with Kyrie and co. LeBron is reportedly leading the fight in favor of finishing off the season. Earlier in the week, James announced the formation of a voting rights group, along with Hawks guard Trae Young, this is in hopes of increasing black voter turnout and ending black voter oppression. 

“Because of everything that’s going on, people are finally starting to listen to us – we feel like we’re finally getting a foot in the door,” James said in an interview with the New York Times. “How long is up to us. We don’t know. But we feel like we’re getting some ears and some attention, and this time is the time for us to finally make a difference.”

The organization, called More Than a Vote, will partly be aimed at inspiring African-Americans to register and cast a ballot in November.

Kyrie didn’t plan to return playing due to his shoulder injury anyway, but he’s putting millions of dollars on the line of the season doesn’t resume.

Houston Rockets guard Austin Rivers thinks finishing the season will be beneficial to the BLM movement if players get paid.

“With this money you could help out even more people and continue to give more importantly your time and energy towards the BLM movement,” Rivers wrote on an Instagram post. “Not to mention there are plenty of NBA players I know who need them paychecks … 99% of the NBA hasn’t made the money a guy like Kyrie has.”

He then continues stating “I love Kyrie’s passion towards helping this movement. It’s admirable and inspiring … We can do both. We can play and we can help change the way black lives are lived. I think we have too! But canceling or boycotting return doesn’t do that in my opinion. Guys want to play and provide and help change!!!!”

A Lakers rep stated on Friday stated to USA Today, “The biggest thing is to continue to move forward. When we go to Orlando, the media outlets and playing on that stage, if you use it wisely the right way you can push forward and continue the movement even in a better forum.”