Sport Leaders Speak Out

sports leaders speak out A timeline of social activism

Athletes, coaches, broadcasters and sports leaders around the world are speaking out against racism and social injustice. We are sharing some of the most powerful and impactful examples of leaders in sport using their voice and status to inspire change.

December 10, 2020

The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee on Thursday announced it will allow athletes to “respectfully” demonstrate support for racial and social justice causes at the games and apologized for condemning peaceful protests in the past. Here is the full statement from the USOPC:

December 7, 2020

Sports Illustrated selected five athletes activists as the recipients of their annual Sportsperson of the Year. LeBron James, Breanna Stewart, Patrick Mahomes, Naomi Osaka and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif—were champions on the field, champions for others off it.

November 27, 2020

In advance of the match against Netherlands, the U.S. Women's National Team players used their return to the field to send an important and unified message which they posted on their website.

september 14, 2020

Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid criticized the NFL Social Justice campaign as being "propoganda" and "half-hearted"

september 13, 2020

The opening weekend of the NFL season saw multiple displays of unity and calls for social justice. Some were coordinated by through the league's initiative while others were decided by teams and individual players.

Colts Head Coach Frank Reich knelt during pre-game ceremonies while the rest of the team locked arms in unity. The team released a statement to explain their demonstration.

September 6, 2020

College Football players, led by Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence announce their plan to use their platform to fight social injustice which included five point plan of actionable items to create real change.

September 5, 2020

September 2, 2020

September 1, 2020

Legendary college basketball coach John Thompson passed away Monday. Tributes poured in from around the sports world to honor a man who was the first Black Head Coach to win the NCAA Men's Basketball National Championship. More importantly, he inspired countless Black athletes, coaches, and reporters.

In 1989, John Thompson walked off the court before a game with Boston College to protest NCAA legislation that would deny athletic scholarships to freshmen who fail to qualify for athletic eligibility under the academic standards of Proposition 48. Thompson ended up boycotting two games to bring national debate to the controversial rule.

Naomi Osaka wears mask honoring Breonna Taylor at U.S. Open

August 31, 2020

Sports legends like Muhammad Ali and Bill Russell paved the way for future Black athletes to speak out against racism and social injustice.

The 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City was the site for possibly the most historic and impactful stand against racism by a Black Athlete.

August 28, 2020

Every WNBA player in the "Wubble" gathered for this picture Thursday to condemn racism, protest social inequality and demand justice for Breona Taylor.

August 27, 2020

Appreciate