NBA Social: Russell Westbrook leads a protest in LA and wrote to the Oklahoma Governor
By Alex Mcewen
NBA Social: Russell Westbrook leads a protest
A few weeks back, Sir Charles In Charge featured Russell Westbrook and some of his most valuable, yet overlooked philanthropy efforts. During the past week, Westbrook was at it again.
The Brodie was seen leading a protest in Los Angeles, which is pictured in the first post below. He along with Oklahoma natives and fellow NBA peers Blake Griffin and Trae Young penned letters to the Oklahoma Governor, Kevin Stitt advocating for an inmate named Julius Jones who has been 20 on death row, for a crime he has said he did not commit.
Check out some excerpts from the letters below. You can read the trio’s full statements and check out a little background on the case, by clicking here.
"Westbrook: “Unfortunately, I am contacting you (Stitt) today because I believe the state’s criminal justice system is on the verge of carrying out a grave injustice, one that is inconsistent with the values of the Oklahoma I know and love.”"
"Griffin: “We know Oklahoma’s justice system can be flawed, and as a Christian I see the injustice that can happen. I believe everyone is created equal in the Lord’s eyes and as such I urge you to take heart into this case.”"
"Young: “I and so many other people have been called to raise concerns regarding Julius Jones’ case because of the many obvious ways in which the legal system failed him.”"
Lead on, Russ
Yes, please read
Read these letters written by @blakegriffin23 @russwest44 @TheTraeYoung to the governor in Oklahoma in support of Julius Jones commutation! He deserves to come home 🙏🏼 https://t.co/fRyglasQlm
— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) June 4, 2020
Clip of Russell Westbrook protesting
https://twitter.com/onlyonejacoby/status/1269727812509937664?s=20
Thunder GM Sam Presti shares his thoughts
Sam Presti opened his press conference today with a long, thoughtful statement about racial injustice: pic.twitter.com/oXF0qTl16b
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) June 7, 2020
Lou Williams is rocking a new look
Lou Williams is sporting a new look, per his Instagram pic.twitter.com/OyNeFuKpTC
— Garrett Chorpenning (@gachorpenning) June 7, 2020
Trae Young puts a wrap on the Hawks season
Be Back Soon...❄️ pic.twitter.com/yDpcWguoKE
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) June 7, 2020
Intriguing choices
In case you’re wondering, Danny Green, Terance Mann, and Harrison Barnes rep the three CA teams headed to Orlando. https://t.co/NIdFpCA24P
— Sabreena Merchant (@sabreenajm) June 5, 2020
Seems accurate
People dumping on MJ and Jordan Brand donating $100M is wild. Reminds me of a boss I once had who said "Some people are never happy. I could give them a solid gold bar and they would say 'Great. Now I have to carry this to my car. Thanks a lot. My back already hurts.'"
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 5, 2020
Yes we shall
.@KingJames reacted to the "Black Lives Matter" message painted on the street in Washington, D.C.
— ESPN (@espn) June 5, 2020
(via @MurielBowser) pic.twitter.com/bFARYiKuHh
Wise words from Ernie Johnson
Ernie Johnson of Inside of the NBA responds to Drew Brees’ comments: “You can fly the flag at your house, you can salute the flag, you can revere the flag, and you can respect the flag, but what you can’t do is use the flag as a blindfold.”
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 5, 2020
Happy Birthday, EJ Johnson
Get a little basketball in your life
There are summer league games going on in OKC. Trae Young stopped by last night.
— Ball Don’t Lie (@Balldontlie) June 4, 2020
(via @Ballislife) pic.twitter.com/EveIGD6YiK
Wholesome high note
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBEIb4OBZ5I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
These are the memorable and personable interactions that will be missed when the NBA makes its return on July 31. However, sacrificing them for a short while will help ensure these moments can continue for years to come once the pandemic has ended.
Related Story. NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Atlanta Hawks add LaMelo Ball; Knicks take a risk. light
Until then though, let’s enjoy the NBA from afar. Because basketball without fans; is still better than no basketball at all.