Pelicans, Jazz kneel during anthem for NBA resumption

Members from both clubs and referees knelt before and during the national anthem. Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Pelicans, Jazz kneel during national anthem for NBA resumption

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/30/20

Before the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz officially restarted the NBA season that was halted on March 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the clubs came together for a poignant moment.

On the same side of the court where "Black Lives Matter" is painted, members from both clubs and referees knelt before and during a powerful rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

The @PelicansNBA & @utahjazz kneel for the National Anthem ahead of the NBA restart. pic.twitter.com/TCFolP06HM
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 30, 2020

Following the killing of George Floyd on May 25, athletes from around the world have vocally supported the "Black Lives Matter" movement and publicly protested racial injustices and police brutality.

Footballers have knelt and some have raised fists in the air before kickoffs of Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A, Major League Soccer and National Women's Soccer League matches. Players from multiple MLB teams have dropped to one knee during the national anthem since the pandemic-shortened season began on July 23. The NCAA announced athletes can display social-justice messages on their jerseys if seasons occur during the uncontrolled virus outbreak.

Expect similar demonstrations throughout the completion of the NBA season.

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