On Sunday, the Denver Nuggets released a statement addressing the state of civil unrest that America finds itself in after the murder of Minneapolis resident George Floyd at the hands of a law enforcement official was captured on camera.
The statement was released by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, which is owned by Stan Kroenke and his son Josh. The Nuggets are owned by Ann Walton Kroenke, the wife of Stan and mother of Josh who is also a key member of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment.
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) June 1, 2020
The most significant aspect of the Nuggets statement is found in the second paragraph:
"“Each of us has a role to play in realizing Dr. Martin Luther King’s long-deferred dream. We will continue to work with civil rights groups, community activists, government leaders, our players and staff during this uncertain time.”"
Early this morning, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski announced that the NBCA (National Basketball Coach’s Association) is establishing a committee on racial injustice and reform.
Although Nuggets head coach Mike Malone wasn’t among the coaches selected for the committee but the Nuggets have still shown that they’re aware of the importance of working with civil rights groups and community groups.
Malone, along with several members of the team, coaching staff and front office, will likely be part of that. In fact, Denver has seen a number of protests as well, as the eclectic city joins in on the nationwide demonstrations that are taking place.
Jerami Grant and his brother Jerian marching today in D.C. pic.twitter.com/NNfklNYVyN
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) June 1, 2020
Nuggets forward Jerami Grant, who made headlines today by revealing that he’s leaning towards declining his player option for the 2020-21 season, was seen at a rally in Washington D.C. on Sunday alongside his brother Jerian.
The Nuggets releasing a statement to identify with and show it’s support for the Floyd family and “all Americans who feel as though their voice and dignity has been compromised by intolerance” is one of the finer moments in team history.