Many in the sports world have shown support for Ukraine throughout their conflict with Russia, which began with last week’s invasion by Russian troops. Fallout from the war has spread to all corners of the sports universe with NHL superstar Alexander Ovechkin grilled by media about his past support of Vladimir Putin and Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich forced to sell his controlling stake in English Premier League team Chelsea F.C., among other recent developments.
With casualties rising, the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans made a powerful statement Wednesday night, reminding us that some things are bigger than sports by taking the court with yellow socks—the color of Ukraine’s flag—for their game against Sacramento.
“It’s a big mess. We’re just trying to bring more attention. The enemy is still out there. Innocent people are dying,” said veteran big man Jonas Valanciunas, a native of Lithuania. “The whole world is talking about sanctions, support, prayers, but something else has to be done, because the war is still going on.”
Earlier this week, President Joe Biden devoted 12 minutes of his State of the Union address to rising tensions in Eastern Europe, strongly condemning Russia’s attack on Ukraine while vowing to protect freedom and democracy. However, Biden stressed the United States has no plans to send troops overseas to fight in Ukraine.
The Pelicans won handily against the Kings, improving to 4-4 since acquiring CJ McCollum at last month’s NBA trade deadline.
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