By Antonis Stroggylakis / info@eurohoops.net
The German Basketball League (easycreditBBL) will be prohibiting players from making any protest against racism in light of the murder of George Floyd, a black man, by a policeman in the USA.
“Basically, political statements in league operations aren’t allowed, verbally or non-verbally,” BBL managing director Stefan Holz said in an interview with the German Press Agency when asked if players can protest against racism in any way during the upcoming league games. The German League is set to resume on June 6 with a 10-team tournament that will be played in Munich.
“For us, as in football, the following applies: We play sports and there are no political statements in any direction, so we don’t open that door. Nevertheless, we would understand if the issue was about players from the USA,” Holz added. German Soccer League (Bundesliga) players Jadon Sancho, Achraf Hakimi (Borussia Dortmund), Weston McKennie (Schalke) and Marcus Thuram (Borussia Monchengladbach) protested against racism and asked for justice for George Floyd’s murder, during last weekend’s games. The German Football Association (DBF) said that the players won’t be sanctioned.
UPDATE: Holz and the BBL backpedaled from their original stance on the issue and no fines will be imposed.
Defending German League champion Bayern Munich reacted to Holz’s comments via the club CEO Marko Pesic. “At a time when solidarity and unity are at stake, no one can stop players from expressing themselves. Being against racism isn’t a political expression but a way of life,” Pesic said in a statement that was published on the team’s social media.
While Holz didn’t make it clear if there will be any repercussions or sanctions imposed on anyone who protests, Ratiopharm Ulm captain Per Gunther tweeted that he will be covering the first 10,000 euros in fines for the players who will be punished for showing solidarity against racism. “Dear easycreditBBL players: If you want to express yourselves and take a stand against racism in the upcoming tournament – please feel free to do so. The first 10k in fines are on me,” Gunther wrote.
Holz’s comments arrived a few hours after Dirk Nowitzki, the greatest German player of all time, released this heartfelt statement on Floyd’s killing. “My heart goes out to the Floyd family and all families affected by racism and social injustice. I’m devastated and saddened that we continue to see this over and over again. I fear for my children’s future. Families have felt this way for generations. We need change now!
Can we be kind and respectful, can we listen and learn from one another? Can we educate our children? You have my commitment. You have my support. You have my ears and you have my voice.
I’m showing my commitment by supporting an organization leading this powerful and overdue change to our society.”