International players had the option of displaying phrases in their native languages, which is why Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic’s jersey will read “Enakopravnost” - “Equality” in Slovenian. It features authentic team colors and a unique design with Utah Jazz and Rudy Gay graphics that will make you the envy of all your favorite. The league reportedly denied his request.Īmong the phrases available, “Black Lives Matter” and “Equality” were the two most popular choices. This Utah Jazz Swingman Orange Rudy Gay Jersey - City Edition - Men's is ideal for wearing out and showing off your passion for the Utah Jazz. Miami’s Jimmy Butler wanted to have nothing but a number on his jersey to communicate that everyone, NBA player or not, deserves the same rights. Others, such as Lakers big man Anthony Davis, made a point to keep their last names to honor their families. Some, including Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, said they would have liked to choose their own message rather than pick from a preapproved list. Not every player chose to put a message on his jersey. Players were reportedly given the option of choosing from 29 messages, including “Black Lives Matter” “I Can’t Breathe” “Justice” “Peace” “Equality” “Say Her Name” “Anti-Racist” “Group Economics” and “ I Am a Man” - the slogan famously used in the 1968 Memphis sanitation workers’ strike. The messages will be displayed above the number during the first four days of the season restart, after which players can choose to either simply go back to displaying their last name or keep both the social justice message and their last name on their jersey.
In the wake of widespread protests this spring and summer sparked by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others, the league and its players’ union agreed on a list of social justice messages players can choose to put on their jersey in lieu of their last name. The idea Rudy Gay will opt out this summer of the last year of his contract, one that pays him an amount (19.3 million for 2014-15) most in the NBA would conclude is too much for what he provides.