By Rob Mason, PSO President of Sports Operations
Aug 28, 2020

Some things are bigger than sports and that’s being witnessed around the world more than ever in 2020. Athletes are taking advantage of the platform they have and are using it to send an important message: unity and togetherness is what wins Championships. Not just in pro sports, but the Championships in life, success, and happiness.

  • 7-9 NBA Playoff games were boycotted and postponed from Wednesday-Friday
  • 7 MLB games were boycotted on Thursday – the most in any single day in history 
  • August 28th, 2020 is the only time since the inception of Jackie Robinson Day in 2004 that it’s not being held on April 15
  • The Mets & Marlins took a 42-second moment of silence and then walked off the field before their scheduled game and said this:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CEak_VbFZuF/

In the midst of living through historic times, there’s one message that must be pushed and promoted as the only way to heal from what’s not only occurring in 2020, but the systemic racism that’s gone on for way too long in America. Athletes are leading by example, demonstrating that coming together is the only solution to these problems. 

The main issue that has to be addressed is police brutality/killings, specifically ones inspired by racial judgments. The underlying problem and ripple effects of this issue now generating as much attention as ever, is the divisiveness and racism that still exists to this daySending the message of togetherness and unity that arises from these athletes of all colors choosing to collectively protest what’s happening and embrace a culture of many different backgrounds, is an important step forward. 

It’s fitting how August 28th, 2020 is Jackie Robinson Day instead of April 15th for the first time in MLB history. This year, Jackie Robinson Day is as monumental as ever. As fans observe players taking moments of silence, kneeling for rights, and boycotting for activism in 2020, Jackie Robinson was paving the way for moments like these back in 1947. 

What makes sports so special is that it has the power to bring people together regardless of color, gender, age, etc. That power has never been more powerful than right now during these unprecedented boycotts. Pro sports athletes and teams are proving through their actions that our society needs to unify to push forward and be a better nation. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cXYHdSw_dM

Athletes have the power to bring attention the need for change. They can inspire and influence, but sooner than later those in real positions of power like government officials, police chiefs, and those that are supposed to protect the red, white, and blue must also display that leadership, emphasize this message of togetherness to those that still believe racism is acceptable, and most importantly: support it with actions

It seems like there’s never been as much uncertainty in sports and the world as a whole than during the year 2020. These boycotts and protests will certainly be a memorable part of this future movie/documentary. The unfortunate reality is that without REAL change, these racial injustices will live on and we’ll continue to witness these merciless, unacceptable tragedies. Improving race relations is something that can only be accomplished through the message of unity and togetherness along with the actions that turn this important message into reality.

Special thanks to Brandon Hereford who also helped with this article.

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