A Recent Utah Jazz Controversy Over Race

Black lives should matter

NBA players took a knee

Back on July 30, 2020, the Utah Jazz and the New Orleans Pelicans played an NBA game in Florida. The players on both teams took a knee during the national anthem as a sign of racial unity. The coaches and trainers joined in the silent protest. It did not seem to make big news at the time.

The Utah Jazz professional basketball team was owned by Larry H. Miller, who also owned a number of car dealerships. Miller died in 2009 at the age of sixty-four from complications of diabetes. His widow, Gail Miller, is now owner of the team and is currently the wealthiest person in Utah.

The Utah Jazz released the following statement:

The Utah Jazz are committed to advancing social justice and stand in support of the players, coaches and staff as they exercise their First Amendment rights, and use their voices, their experiences, and their platforms to peacefully express themselves. We are a values-based organization and believe in the foundational principles of justice, equality, fairness, and economic empowerment. Our organization strives to be a unifying force in our communities, and we hope this time in our history can be a catalyst for positive change in a country we love.”

The NBA players were adding their voices and influence to the Black Lives Matter Movement to fight for racial equality.

Recently, the Utah Jazz and racism have become a big news story in Utah after a company sent a letter to Miller saying they would not be renewing the suite they had held since 1992 at the Jazz arena. They expressed concern over the actions of players and team management which supported Black Lives Matter and other racial equality efforts. The letter stated that these basketball players are highly paid and should not be using the sport for political reasons.

They don’t get it. These basketball players have “made it” and are paid well. Some of the Black players overcame a lot of racism to get where they are. They are not doing this for themselves. They are doing it for other Black people who need their help, particularly young men. Like Colin Kaepernick tried to do in 2016, they are using their platform to bring attention to the huge problem of racism in America.

Suites at pro basketball arenas are usually bought and sold without any fanfare or publicity. This company condemned the players for what they called a political stand, but they did it themselves to protest against the actions of the Utah Jazz management in allowing it. By making their public declaration of giving up a suite, they made their bias and racial views known. They made their own polical statement.

People took to Facebook to state their thoughts about the company. There were responses against the actions of the NBA players along with some who agreed with what the players had tried to do. Here are some of the responses:

That company doesn’t care about Black lives. Got it.

Good. More companies should stand their ground. It’s so wrong to kneel. Fans need to stand up and stop supporting this behavior.

Good for that company. Finally someone with good values who appreciate what others have gone through to make our country a better place to live.

Another company will take their place by the end of the day. It’s funny the company had to report to the news that they cancelled their tickets. More like a cry for attention than anything.

Good. Now they can give that suite to some real patriots that support the 1st amendment.

If that company can’t respect the lives of Black Americans, then I’m glad they will be making room for someone else to enjoy that suite.

Good. I think more people need to boycott these sports teams.

I respect the right of players to kneel.

Wonderful. Those suites go fast. Let a company in there who is worthy and honored to be there. No worries. It’ll be occupied.

In other words, company trying to get attention by saying they are no longer supporting the Jazz and getting free media coverage. Great marketing department and accounting will probably be thankful too.

Everyone has a choice. The teams can choose to support certain causes and the fans can choose whether to support the teams.

Good. Now I know which local company (which I never even heard of before this post) that I will not do business with.

This company should be applauded for their heroic actions.

And them cancelling the suite is newsworthy? NEWS FLASH, NO ONE CARES, KAREN. We have that right to kneel if we choose, like it or not.

Good. I will never again support this team or any other team for the same reason.

The suite has aleady been bought by somebody with morals.

Racism is nothing new. Professional athletes are trying to take a stand against racial inequality. They are taking a knee to bring attention to the problem and lend their voice to help other Black people.

Most of the players in the NBA are Black. Most of the company owners who have suites, the season ticket holders, and regular spectators are White. The White fans are enjoying watching the Black players. They need to realize that Black Lives Matter.

There are still people who do not think racism is a problem. They are likely the privileged race. They will continue to be closed minded, and they are probably racists although they may not admit it.

Those who care need to help alleviate the problems of racism.

[Sources: MSN.com, Art Raymond with The Deseret News, ESPN]