The UNC men’s basketball program posted a video Monday featuring head coach Roy Williams and former players across many generations, each voicing their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
“The North Carolina basketball program, our family, our current and former players, believe black lives matter,” Williams said in the video. “And it’s critically important that we don’t just believe it. We must stand together and loudly and clearly demand that we as a country–and the world–embrace the fundamental human right that black lives matter.”
Former players who made an appearance in the video include: Wes Miller, Wayne Ellington, Tom Kearns, George Lynch, Theo Pinson, James Worthy, Tyler Hansbrough, Luke Maye, Justin Jackson, Sean May, Jimmy Black, Marvin Williams, Eric Montross, Donald Williams, Danny Green, Sam Perkins, Jawad Williams, Ty Lawson, Kennedy Meeks, Lennie Rosenbluth and Raymond Felton.
The final player to appear was Michael Jordan himself.
“Systemic racism has to stop now,” Jordan said. “We must take the time to listen and educate our family, our friends, our children on social injustice and racial equality. Black lives matter now more than ever before. We have to get this right. So please take time to educate yourself and improve the lives of many people.”
Say it with us ➡ Black Lives Matter. pic.twitter.com/JrEdvqjncx
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) July 6, 2020
The post about systemic racism follows more than a month of outcry and calls for change following the death of George Floyd and other African Americans. Other former Tar Heel players not featured in the video shared the message on Twitter as well.
Great example of why I’ll always be proud to be a part of the UNC basketball family. Plus, I’m extra proud to have Coach Williams in my life as not only my former coach but as a mentor and friend. Black Lives Matter. https://t.co/dytWAUpSz4
— Marcus Paige (@marcuspaige5) July 6, 2020
Black Lives Matter✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽 https://t.co/YMuJG07TCc
— Brice Johnson (@bjohnson_23) July 6, 2020
Photo via Tar Heel Blog.
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I believe ol Roy is kissing ass here. It’s a calculated move to garner support from his black players, and black recruits that will potentially commit to the heels in the coming months. Roy has heard of the rebellion of some college black athletes, some of whom have actually called for the firing of their white coach because he’s white. And, they wound up getting fired ! So Roy is trying to diffuse that scenario before it crops up.
I say this because BLM has really very little to do with Black people. Most of the people in decision-making positions are white. It’s funded by whites. Its agenda is political in nature-Marxist. Which also is an ideology typically subscribed to by far left white european peoples. And this is by BLM’s own admission, which was on their website if it hasn’t been taken down now. Also, it can be seen by who and what they are attacking-things such as historic symbols of American capitalism and democracy. Bad move Roy ! It reveals a lot about your deceitful nature.