The Rush: NBA return in doubt as “key players” may sit to honor George Floyd

Former NBA player Matt Barnes said “key players” are thinking about sitting out the season in honor of George Floyd, the evolution of Drew Brees continued over the weekend as he apologized for his comments and even appealed to President Trump on Instagram, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell changed his stance on silent protests by NFL players after watching a video featuring the league’s biggest stars pleading for help. PLUS: Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokuonmpo, Russell Westbrook and many others were spotted at the weekend’s protests which were almost entirely peaceful.

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Video Transcript

- Protect your team, protect your family. In times like this, man, we need to stick together. Put the fists up. Let's get a moment of silence, just get a moment of silence.

JARED QUAY: That was Russell Westbrook speaking truth at a protest in Compton.

- That's what I'm talking about.

JARED QUAY: Later, you'll see a few other NBA stars making their voices heard over the weekend. But first, some news about when they're getting back to work.

- Time to go to work.

JARED QUAY: Yesterday, former NBA star Matt Barnes told Yahoo Sports' "Dunkbait" that not everyone is ready to just shut up and dribble.

- I wouldn't be surprised if some teams or some key players didn't want to play, on behalf and in honor of George Floyd, until we figure out where this world is headed. Actually, Snoop hit me the other day too talking about it. 'Cause I had talked to a few guys, not to mention no names, and he said he had talked to a couple guys from the Lakers and the Clippers.

JARED QUAY: Look, I get it. On one hand, if the NBA returns, stars like Russell won't be able to get out to protest and let their voices be heard. But on the other hand, where better to get your voice heard than on a global platform like the NBA? But on the other, other hand, do you really trust those guys? They announced they're returning during the middle of a social media blackout-- kind of tone deaf.

- I would say so.

JARED QUAY: Look, if you play, let's honor the movement mid-game. How about this? With 8 minutes and 46 seconds in the first quarter of every game, you ever gonna play again, you stop and think of George.

All right, the NFL. Kneeling isn't going anywhere. According to Adrian Peterson, all players across all teams are planning to kneel this season. And over the weekend, the movement signed some powerful allies.

- I'm sorry. And I will do better and I will be part of the solution. And I am your ally.

JARED QUAY: Saints quarterback Drew Brees walked back his kneeling comments, and even took on the president personally when the president clapped back. And drew wasn't the only one to admit he was wrong.

- We, the National Football League, admit we were wrong for not listening to NFL players earlier and encourage all to speak out and peacefully protest.

JARED QUAY: No that's not a deep fake, that's the commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, officially joining the movement. And apparently this is why.

- How many times do we need to ask you to listen to your players?

- What will it take?

- For one of us to be murdered by police brutality?

JARED QUAY: According to Yahoo Sports, this video put together by a rogue NFL employee finally made Goodell change his mind. So in other words, the commissioner just had to watch, listen, and learn-- which is a pretty good idea for everyone.

- Black lives matter!

- Black lives matter!

- Black lives matter!

- Black lives matter!

- Protect your team, protect your family. In times like this, man, we need to stick together. Put the fists up.

Hey, hey! Ho, Ho! Donald Trump has got to go!

[MUSIC - CURTIS MAYFIELD, "MOVE ON UP"]

(SINGING) Your folks might understand you by and by. Just move on up toward your destination. Though you may find from time to time complication.

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